We've had a lot of fog here in Bellingham lately - from early morning until early afternoon - a peek at the sun - and then fog from mid afternoon on. So it was a pleasant surprise on Saturday to see some sun coming through the fog. We thought a ride would be perfect - get out and see the autumn colors - get some photos - just a nice ride in the country.
Well the sunshine didn't last long - but we saw some amazing sun dogs - see the sun right at the top middle?
The sun - through the fog. It looks like a full moon - but was really the sun
We saw a big rooster
He sits in front of an abandoned drive-in - too bad it closed, but the rooster still stands guard.
We saw a friend's house - painted blue after she sold it and moved away - I miss her.
We saw pretty leaves and ferns - changing into their autumn finery.
We saw hillsides of colored trees
And the sun came back - we are up in the hills now, above the fog. Two alpacas graze in the pasture.
I think the trees look like an Impressionist painting
We saw red and yellow leaves
And just yellow leaves along a country road
We saw reflections of mountains and trees in Silver Lake
Leafless trees reflected in the still waters of the lake
Two tree dancing - the fog came and went, but the trees danced on
We could see the fog from the mountains - it is persistent this time of the year
We saw a fun sign for picking apples. Washington apples are so very delicious!
We saw bright red bushes
And then - there it was!!!!
Wait - stop!!! Turn around!!! I must get this view of Mt. Baker
We had been down this road dozens of times - and never saw Mt. Baker - what a view. And the strangest thing is - I took this photo from the driveway of a house that we once considered renting when we first moved to Washington 12 years ago. We decided that it was too far from town - oh, but if the mountain had been out that day we might have changed our minds.
And then . . . .
Wait - stop!!!! What are the people in those parked cars looking at? Turn around please - I MUST get photos.
A small herd of American Elk - I've heard about them, but never seen them up here. There were 8 total - some females and young males. We didn't see any with the large sets of antlers.
They were grazing way out in the clearing - I had to use the highest zoom on the camera.
Cars were stopping - some were turning around - everyone was talking about the elk and how fortunate we were to see them.
There were 8 in the herd - it was hard to get them all together - they kept wandering about as they grazed.
And so it wasn't just a ride in the country - it was a spectacular ride in the country - something always surprises us then we take a ride - so much to see - just have to keep your eyes open and have a wonderful driver who will constantly stop and make U-turns and park along side the road and watch for traffic - it is a magical combination.
What has surprised you on a ride in the country?
17 comments:
What wonderful photos JoAnn! Those reflections in the lake and the colours of the trees, just amazing. And of course Mt Baker. An impressive sight with all that snow. So glad you have such a willing and understanding driver. I have trips like those and know how important it is to stop when ever the want takes!
Between the fog, those shots of the sun and of Silver Lake, Mt. Baker, and the elk -- you really took us on an extraordinary and magical ride in the country. Amazing and just WOW!
What fabulous photos, Jo!
Deer. They used to be located in a different area primarily from where I lived as a child, but on the back road to my childhood home, a buck with an enormous rack was standing on the road just outside our former property and near a country church. Just stunning. A doe was with him.
Beautiful autumn pictures. Someone needs to rescue that rooster!
I loved that drive! I am always the one behind the wheel and no place to stop. I sure wouldn't want that trip to end.
What a great drive. The view of Mt Baker is gorgeous, and how lucky to spot the elk (and have an accommodating driver who will stop and turn around.) The lake - so calm. Beauty everywhere.
So many lovely things to see. But wow, a house with a view like that must be worth millions!
Thanks for taking us along on your lovely ride. Those sun shots are awesome! Wonderful elk captures a well. I'd love to see one in the wild.
What great shots! I love the refections in the lake, and Mt Baker. How lucky you are to live where you do.
Beautiful pictures, Fall colors are amazing. Nature really knows how to put on a show. I was also looking at all the things you have made in the post before this one. You are VERY handy. so many pretty things.
Nancy Jo
Wow, what a wonderful series of photos! I love the Mt. Baker shots and the elk! The Autumn leaves are beautiful. A gorgeous ride, thanks for taking me along. Have a happy day!
What beautiful pictures...your state is gorgeous. I love that little blue cottage, it looks so cozy.
Have a wonderful week...
Wow, JoAnn. What beauty. The trees are gorgeous and the sun coming through the fog. Your camera must be pretty good (as well as the photographer). When going up to Oregon we have seen elk in the meadows occasionally. Maybe they were farther up more towards your way. We love the trees in your area, always green when we go, would love to go up in the fall sometimes..Happy Wednesday..Judy
Such gorgeous scenery, JoAnn! Love all the autumn colors and the still reflections in the lakes. So wonderful to see Mt. Baker, too and the elk! Great shots, today, thanks for taking us along on your beautiful drive! xoxo
you are right...the sun did look like the moon. I enjoyed the ride! Gorgeous fall colors there and the elk are so majestic...so glad that you were there at the right time to see them! :)
Thanks once again for the beautiful road trip. We had horrendous rain and wind yesterday so much of the beautiful leaves have blown away. Thanks for your kind words about Midnight. I miss her terribly.
Great shots, JoAnn! Some of them seem so "painterly" - they're really beautiful and worth framing! The Baker shots (also worth framing!) are great. And what a bonus to see those elk! My one encounter here (we have Roosevelt elk) was mostly shots of big, round elk butts. You even managed FACES! Wonderful post!
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