It was 48 degrees outside when I left. The stark light of fall in the morning was brilliant. I didn’t want to ride a long time. Wanted to get home to work in the garden. Go to the grocery store. Take care of the dog. Hang out with Kim. Read a book.
Still, I wanted to ride a bit so I headed down Brush Valley Road towards Centre Hall. As usual I don’t get far before my eyes are overwhelmed and I need to stop and make a picture. I don’t use that word need lightly. I’m like a dog. Since I first picked up a camera at around 9 years old I have been compelled to point it at the world. I’m used to it now but there still are times when I wish I could turn it off.
Kim loves the light this time of year. I think it radiates differently. It glows and the light appears refracted from a billion fall particles. Whatever it is it makes the Vespa stop a lot.
When I started writing this post I told myself it would be short. Whatever happened to my one picture posts? Those were a lot easier. With more pictures in the camera I feel as if I am hiding something by not sharing them. Even the insignificant ones.
Riding along sinking creek the sun would disappear as the hills crowded the road in shadow making the color and light even more intense when I would break into the open.
I try not to but I pity those who don’t ride. I saw a few bicyclists go by at one point and their heads were down as they pumped away on those low slung bars of their road bikes. I could not help but think they were missing the roses.
At Spring Mills I stop for a bottle of water at one of the vanishing old time country stores.
This was an upscale one. It had two wood stoves. Feeling good and the scooter running well I decided to brave the only road I have ever had dog experiences on. It’s been over a year since the last time I rode here but sure enough the three little beasts were still there, still looking forward to a good chase. My LX150 handily dismissed them. The GTS did just as well.
Heading home I saw an Amish buggy coming down a side road. I never shoot Amish pictures. Except this day.
The fellow driving the buggy actually stopped to comment on the scooter. I commented on his horse which was all lathered with sweat. He said the horse always gets wound up when they go to the store. He loves to go for a ride. I understood. I asked if I could shoot a picture when he went by and he said go right ahead. I was in the wrong position but I tripped the shutter anyways. I wondered which was cheaper to operate.
I put the Vespa in the garage and started to sweep leaves off the driveway. A mediative practice rivaled only by washing dishes. Some days I am not sure which is more relaxing—the ride or the chores. Either way it was good to be home.
Oooh, I envy you! Hell, I envy the Amish farmer because he’s driving what he wants to be driving.
I would like to see a post featuring only “insignificant pictures.” They might each have a story to tell.
Kim’s right. The light at this time of year as a certain flavor.
I’ve noticed the smells are also totally different this time of year. I enjoy the smells while riding almost as much as the sites.
I am new to your blog and LOVE your pictures – great eye for light and detail. I just wish more your pictures were ”larger” – higher res. so I can use them as a desktop on my 20” iMac. Keep ridin’ and shuttering!
You know Steve, I think I’ll quit mumbling under my breath of a evening as I clear off the table and rinse the dishes. I think instead I’ll be thankfull for the chores and enjoy the calm repetitve activity…thanks again.
What did the Amishman have to say about your scooter?
I actually find that multi-picture posts are easier because I can write less text! If you figure a cost per mile assessment, the sccoter is probably cheaper. It only eats when its on the road!
bravo again. i read way too many blogs these days. my feeder has got probably 200 friends and peers in there. and yours is quickly becoming one of my favorites.
nice pics. and nice story telling.
conchscooter: Most of the insignificant pictures are the ones that either don’t have the Vespa in them or are ones that I deem lackluster. It’s an interesting thought though to highlight those.
I’m not sure if he’s driving what he wants or what he has to. Those kind of buggies seem really claustrophobic. He’s inside behind glass and the reins feed through a little slot. You really need to trust your horse. I once saw an open buggy going down the main road here at a gallop. A young girl was driving and she had lost control of the horse. Those things aren’t made for that kind of speed…
jonathan: As usual Kim is right. She almost always sees things before I do.
sherry: Fall has a wonderful fragrance as the leaves turn and fall. It’s a great time of year.
bruce: Thanks for your kind words Bruce. I have thought on and off of making some of them available as high resolution images for backgrounds but have never gotten around to it. Another item on a long list of things to do.
I recently saw some of the images on a 24 inch iMac and know what you mean about the resolution.
sarch: Chores like dishes can be calming if I keep my head away from feeling like I have more important things to do. The hot water, the simple movements, and standing at the window by the sink is good medicine.
The Amishman had seen me earlier. He was pulling into the country store when I was leaving. I’m not sure why he stopped. People often do when I am pulled off along the road out in the country thinking I have a problem I guess. Mechanical that is. He just said it was a beautiful day for a ride and asked the usual questions—how far can I go and how fast does it go.
irondad: I sued to post what were really a picture and long caption. Those were the easiest and quickest for me. I don’t have the kinds of riding experiences you have. The scope of what I do is pretty narrow so I often feel like I am at a loss to say much….
Horses are no doubt more expensive to operate. Probably less expensive to purchase though. And they have more hands on maintenance. It may be a wash. I think I’ll stick the the Vespa but I won’t be hitching it to a cart anytime soon.
josh: Thanks for stopping by and commenting. I understand how it can get overwhelming to follow blogs along. There is a lot of excellent material out there.
Steve, what do you do with all this photography? You are quite talented. Can you tell us a little more about your photography efforts–maybe a separate post.
Brent
Why did you choose a scooter and not a smaller motorcycle? I am about to purchase one or the other and would like your advise.
Thanks Steve. you write what I think but cannot express.
You live in a gorgeous place. Love your photos.
I own five horses. I suspect your Vespa is cheaper to operate. 😉
Your blog is fabulous.
Pax. Kimberly
Like you Steve I am beginning to take a lot of pictures. So I can enjoy remember. 🙂
As usual, great photos. As a fellow amateur photographer, I sometimes see shots like this, but cannot force myself to stop. What is your trick? Just the knowledge that your blog will be a better place? …or do you find that it is good to have breaks so often? Also, I never bring a “serious” camera with me. Not that the Elph is bad, but the Pentax K100D is so much better. One thing about Vespas is that they’re quite photogenic. I’ve noticed that Burgmen look a lot more porky in photos, hehehe.