A Coy Hike

It felt like spring this morning. It wasn’t quite 40F (4C), but the lingering snow on the road had melted overnight, and a lemony sun peeked over the horizon. The skies remained clear and blue, and the passing day beckoned. At about 2:00 we decided we’d work a split-shift, so we bailed for hike at Coy Mountain.

Proud boy on crunchy leaves under clear skies

We took the Petey puppy who discovered the woods was full of yummy, chewable sticks. Since he’d already had his proper morning walk, we acquiesced and allowed him the freedom to sniff and chomp. The novelty quickly wore off, and soon we hiked along the trail easily. The dog may have settled into a more focused walk, but I couldn’t decide whether to look up or down.

Those two trees can’t decide whether to be one or two; and look at that canopy!

Moss and mushrooms? Be still my heart!

Even though the day was crisp and dry, I was seeing rainbows in the trees 😉

Eventually I pulled it together, and we arrived at the peak, which has nice views of Torch Lake at this time of year.

Our woodland foray only encompassed about a mile and a half, so afterward we popped down the road to the Depot park on Torch Lake in Alden. We traipsed around near the shore, almost convincing ourselves it was warm in the afternoon sun. With naked, hibernating trees the dominant feature of the landscape, I’m surprised how much color can be hidden by verdant leaves.

Maybe November isn’t so bad after all.

What a Difference a Few Minutes Makes

While it rained most of the weekend, we managed to find a couple moments of sunshine – even if it was only peeking through the clouds.

Saturday, 7:20pm (click to embiggen)

We had gone out for a drive, hoping for a pretty show as the sun dropped below the cloud plane, but gave up and went back home amidst drizzle. Minutes later, I glanced and the window, and the grabbed my camera at a full run out to the back pasture.

Saturday, 7:54pm

I was glad I sprinted. Seconds later, the color was already bleeding out of the sky.
Saturday, 7:55pm (click to embiggen)

Shortly after that, the color was gone entirely. I ran back in, again, amidst drizzle.

Last night, the sun executed a repeat performance…and so did we. Though no precipitation rained on our parade, we went for a walk under textured low clouds, and then drove to the marina in Alden for the show. Nothing, nothing, nothing. And then this:

Sunday, 7:52pm (click to embiggen)

Even the guys out fishing stopped for photographs and awed commentary.

Sunday, 7:53pm (click to embiggen)

But again, seconds later, and the show was over. Truly, a few seconds can make all the difference. Hoping you always have seconds for the differences you seek.

Sunday, 7:55pm

Weekly Photo Challenge: Reflections

This week, the creative folks at The Daily Post have challenged us to use reflections in a photograph. The weather here has been decidedly uncooperative, and I have uncharacteristically been rather house-bound. The challenge was issued Friday, and Sunday I used it as our excuse to get outdoors.