While waiting for needed input on a number of projects yesterday, I decided to take the walk I’d been putting off. It was sunny and crisp, and even in mid-afternoon, with the shorter days, the light was angling through the trees and casting long shadows.
Ornamental grasses flanking a walkway sport their furry blooms. Many trees in the area have lost the majority of their leaves.
Long shadows are cast by an already lowering sun.
In the background, a sparkling river moseys south.
Something new for me when I moved to this side of the state was the concept of rural delivery. The postal carrier does not bring mail to the mailbox by your front door, but instead leaves it in mailboxes which stand alone or in groups at the edge of properties and driveways. Certainly makes sense considering how much of this area is farmland!
My town was initially established in the mid 18th century, a mill town on the river, but was not officially incorporated with its current name until 1925. It went through many names, among them Burnt Mills after the grist mill was destroyed by fire in 1769. Many older buildings grace the town, this one (I’m estimating late 1800’s) is converted to a barber shop and residence.
Trees along the riverbank holding on to the last of their leaves.
Looking north, the Delaware is a sea of calm. Whether due to rain or the extended warmth of much of the fall season, there were not many of the brilliant oranges and reds to be found among the trees this year. Instead, the green leaves seemed to fade to dull yellows and browns.
A group of Canada geese swim, relax, and feed at the edge of the riverbank.
An oak leaf on the textured concrete bridge path looks both crisp and leathery. It’s shadow seems to have another life altogether, something insectile.
A train once connected Phillipsburg about 1/2 hour north of my town all the way south to Lambertville, paralleling the river. The tracks were recently cleared and maintained to allow a train to travel several miles for fun trips for passengers at an annual event. The mournful whistle of the steam engine could be heard for two days, and then on occasion afterward.
Walking with my camera always opens my eyes to my surroundings, and causes me to be very grateful to live where I do – an older, established community with a long history, and where people still are gracious and kind.
This is a SUPERB post, and the photos are awesome. As a lover of leaves, I particularly enjoyed your single leaf shot. Honestly, I feel like I took a stroll by your side.
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Thanks so much, Pat! I’m glad you liked the single leaf shot – I really like that one, too. π
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Loved this post! The photos are wonderful and the sights just so lovely…thank you!
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You’re very welcome, Kitty. I’m glad you enjoyed the “quick tour” of part of my little town. I need to get out more and bring my camera!!
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Lovely autumnal (fall-al) pictures!
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Thanks, Denzil. And thanks for stopping by. π
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These are lovely photos, Jeanne. It’s dull yellows and browns here at this time of year too!
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Thanks, Cynthia. I feel like those really bright, burning colors just never appeared this year. It’s still a lovely season, though.
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Your neighbourhood is beautiful Jeanne, especially in its autumn colours.
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Thank you. I am always very grateful to live in both my town, and this exceptionally beautiful county where I could just drive backroads all day and still be amazed. Did you check out the book I’m reading? Just starting it – thanks for the post and recommendation! π
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I hope you enjoy it π
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That looks like a beautiful day for a walk, Jeanne! Such a pretty area, and I am glad to hear the people there are still gracious and kind. π
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Me, too. It makes life so much happier and easier. I have such lovely neighbors, too!
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