I was expecting a conflagration this autumn after the hot, dry summer. In my head I had a vision of the autumn of 2007, though I don't know if the brilliance of the foliage that year was exceptional, or if my state of mind at the time just made it seem like the world was on fire.
Anyhow, it hasn't been like that at all - more a long, slow burn which is now dying down. Today I noticed that the leaves on the ground more black than gold. The trees more bare than leaved. The fog dropping.
Winter is coming, so here's autumn's swansong ...
... though actually it's the resident heron on the lake in Eastville Park that draws the attention of passers-by - and the local black-headed gulls.
Meanwhile, I've been wondering which of these two photos to submit to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition - it's so hard to choose between them. ☺
The park and nearby Wickham Glen were looking so beautiful the last few times I've been there.
Wickham Glen
my favourite little ash tree by the Frome
Meanwhile, the yew that had recently fallen across C*lston Hill, largely blocking it, has been removed ...
... only for a second tree to fall just a little higher up the lane. It's a sobering reminder of the potential danger of walking in woods after a period of drought.
Further upstream, Snuff Mills, the narrow wooded valley of which is dark in winter and darker still in summer, has been looking its best.
Quarry below Ham Lane
Glenfrome weir
We also walked up the mossy lane to Vassal's Park a couple of times, which has some fabulous trees.
ring-necked parakeet and crow
High above this section of the Frome is Purdown, which we've also visited a lot. Yes, it can be a bit edgy and urban ...
... but it's had its moments of beauty too.
my favourite oak in the woods on Purdown
One just-after dawn morning I was reminded of the stunning sunrises I watched around New Year and the fact that even winter has its highlights, despite the cold and dark. I look forward to doing that again over the next couple of months, if any bright, clear days coincide with my days off.
There are more spectacular trees at Ashton Court, of course, above the River Avon, though the one morning we were there it was dull and wet, which made for less than spectacular photos.
... though I was sad to see that the bench I used to sit on to remember my parents and my darling Ted has now gone. Inevitable, I suppose.
I never expect to find much hoggin in autumn, because of all the leaf litter, but I have come across a few bits. (It's the looking, and staying in the moment to look, that is most important for me.)
Fungi spotting is also a useful trick for keeping me present. There's been masses this autumn, though they're mostly waning now.
Our final walking spot has been Blaise estate. Here are just a few of the lovely old trees in the open space near the Henbury Road entrance, which are at their most striking in autumn ...
... though perhaps the most beautiful walks of all have been along Hazel Brook (a tributary of the River Trym) and Kingsweston Down on bright Sunday mornings (followed by a cappuccino in the cafe, and doggy ice cream for Cwtch).
Though at times there might be an ocean between us ...
... I have the two best walking companions in the world.
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