Here Comes the Sun

Reflections and marsh vegetation create an abstract image

After a week of cloudy skies and interminable rain, the sun came out yesterday.

My soul expanded with a huge, “Ahhh…” of relief to see the sun again. Because bright days have been so rare lately, I headed to the woods to walk in the burgeoning fall colors. It’s such a comfort to me to walk in wild places and forests. I have my best worship services in the cathedrals of mother nature.

Not wanting to be weighed down by my “big girl” camera, I took only my iPhone with me. I wanted to soak in every ounce of sunshine, beauty, and wildness that I could.

After pondering various nearby locations I decided to drive a little further than I usually do, to Carver Park Reserve near Victoria, MN.

What a great day!

There were blue skies above, a fresh breeze caressing me, and cool but not too cool temperatures. The trails were mostly wet but not muddy, though I was surprised by how high the marsh water had crept. Trees that were normally at the edge of the marsh were standing in up to a foot of water. The water was so high that it partially covered the trails that ran beside the marsh.

I quickly became fascinated by the way the reflections of trees that were normally beside the marsh (but now in the marsh) mixed with the plant materials in the water creating abstract compositions.

Though colors were turning and a few leaves falling, these woods were far from peak colors and beauty. I am hoping to come back for more hikes here as fall slowly marches toward winter. (At least I hope that the march towards winter is slow!)

There was so much life along the trails that I walked. Squirrels scampered, nuthatches chattered, crows cawed, bees buzzed, tiny butterflies danced in the air, and dragonflies soared and performed air acrobatics.

I hiked for about an hour and was glad to slowly make my way back to the car. My soul was filled to the brim with the joy of the sights, sounds, and sensations of nature.

When was the last time you took a walk on the wild side?

May you walk in beauty.

Note: All photos in this post from my iPhone