Changing colours
It was a cool day with the promise of rain and possibly a patch or two of blue sky but we were unperturbed; we'd planned a walk in the forest and we were taking that walk no matter what. As we got ready my guy said, layers that can peeled off are the key in weather like this. It's cute because he always says it. I don't complain though, merely agree.
A shower had just swept through as we arrived in the carpark and everything smelled fresh and earthy. I inhaled deeply, zipped up my North Face vest against the cold and we set out.
It wasn't silent, nature never really is, but other than the snapping of sticks and twigs and the rustle of damp leaves beneath our booted feet the sounds were natural: Birds, creaking branches and the sound leaves make as they dance in the breeze.
It was beautiful, peaceful and comforting.
As we walked I felt a little like we were in a kaleidoscope, with colours changing all around; leaves from green to yellow, orange and red and the earthy browns formed a carpet upon which we walked. Blooms added pops of colour here and there and even though some were losing their beauty as they waned the vista and moment was beautiful all the same.
We took shelter, such that it was, a couple times the trees coming to our aid as a light shower swept through from time to time.
My body shivered slightly, despite the layers, but the embrace of my man held the cold mostly at bay...although he winced slightly as I pressed my cold nose into his face when we kissed. (He didn't complain much though, his lips were busy.)
I managed to extricate myself from his bear-like hug and roving hands to continue walking although I'd have been just as happy to sink to the soft leaf-covered ground with him and remove some layers. It was a public forest though so I made a mental note for later at home: Peel layers off and resume cuddling.
I find something so appealing about the contrasts found when the leaves are turning. It's sad as they're dying, but through them falling to the ground and returning to the soil they help the next ones live and there's something lovely about that cycle.
We walked for almost four hours, interspersed with breaks to avoid the showers or when we found a nice spot for a rest. It was on one such breaks when I found this plant above; I don't know what it was but loved the colour, shape and texture of the foliage.
I like touching nature, petals, leaves, bark, flowing water and the like; it makes me feel more involved, closer to the planet, and more alive. The one above felt almost like reptilian scales, so I dubbed it lizard plant. I'm sure it has a proper name though.
Unfortunately I'm not much into photography and my photos don't represent the true beauty of the forest but hopefully they tell a story.
Photos can't ever set the mood or tone of the subject as well as seeing it in person. The smells and sounds, breathing lungful's of crisp air, the feeling of light rainfall on the face or the sudden burst of sun through the clouds bringing a momentary warmth to the skin. None can be experienced through a photograph.
Having these photos though, split second captures of the moments I shared with my boy in the forest, will allow me to recall those experiences to mind and fool my senses into feeling them once again no matter where I am.
No, I'm no photographer, but these photos are cherished and valued nonetheless as were the moments I shared with the planet and my guy.
Becca 💗