Autumn is about to burst forth, leaves beginning to escape their captive positions in the trees. First a few yellow and orange leaves on the road, a few more in the trees, and suddenly, as if a fuse was lit and a fiery palette of red, orange and yellow sweeps through the forest, across the mountains and then vanishes.
I took the Vespa for a ride in the mountains hoping to feel the change. Like a kid on Christmas morning the anticipation builds, still after all these years, for natures pageant of color.
There is no doubt this season touches an uneasy place in me, a reflection of the cycle of life that seems more real each year. I am a leaf still clinging to the tree. Or so I think as the Vespa climbs through Rothrock Forest, a place so familiar and charged with memories of over 40 years of travel here, on foot, in cars, on skis, bicycles and now the Vespa. At one point I asked to have my ashes spread near here when I die, on Little Flat, a vantage point that surveys the place I call home.
Autumn was still in the distance for now. Days away then, almost here now. Riding the Vespa along forest roads is always satisfying but especially now. Running back down the mountain towards duty and responsibility I wished I could search longer.
Later in the day, while on a walk with Junior, I found more evidence of fall. The bright sun erased any lingering uneasy feelings from the morning. And soon the Vespa and I will plunge headlong into autumn and emerge into winter.
Perhaps autumn is merely practice, preparation for the real test ahead.
Always something to think about on a ride.
Steve,
Like a great song when words and music fit together perfectly, I always find that your posts to be a perfect blend of words and pictures.
Really inspirational work!
Tom
Thomas Keene: That’s for the kind words. Writing and making pictures has always been an important part of my life. Too complicated to explain right now. I’m glad you find some use in the work.
How are things in Maine? Kim and I keep talking about another trip north….
Lovely words and first pic.
IMHO that 1st photo is outstanding, and would make a great scooter-related card. You should contact Vespa.
Steve, you are true well of inspiration. I can never get enough of your photography. Thank you for the continued eye candy.
Wow, beautiful photos! That tree looks like it sees some wind, always from the same direction. Is it one of those lone trees in the middle of a field?
Wonderful read and great pictures too!
It’s always really rewarding stopping by here.
Kind regards
Len
Steve;
I liked that windswept tree. I liked the vespa in the forest. I like them all.
You are the master of photos and prose
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
Well Steve, I’d love to sit down with you on a fallen log in that forest and share a warm beverage and have a chat. That’s the chord you strike with that post.
Maybe expressing the thought almost makes it real.
Charlie6 (Dom): Thanks. Hard to go wrong with a Vespa — every picture almost a masterpiece. Nothing like trying to photograph a URAL….
Fred: Thanks for the kind words. I have a Scooter in the Sticks to do list and cards are on it. Vespa’s marketing consultants made some initial contacts years ago but before we could talk much Piaggio fired them.
Not sure my style matches their brand positioning of a urban, stylish upscale rider…
SonjaM: Speaking of eye candy — if I were in Germany you would be seeing the Black Forest, the Alps, old towns and cities. You have all the makings of some great pix there!
RichardM: That particular tree is on an estate where I take Junior for walks and swims. Not sure why it looks like that because the prevailing weather comes from the other direction. I”ll have to look closer.
Len: Thanks for the support. Time will tell if I continue to hold up my end of the bargain.
bob skoot: Thanks for the kind words. I was using that new carbon fiber tripod you suggested this weekend. Didn’t need the wireless triggers though. I”ll have to post some things about those cool tools!
RichardM: Forget what I said about the tree. It is leaning in the way the weather would hit it. Since it is out in the open and a good way up from the valley floor it probably deals with a lot of wind.
David Masse: I hope we have another chance to get together — one that affords some quality riding time and a chance for that warm beverage.
Just returned from a 400 mile trip and am thinking of hot tea right now…
I absolutely agree with Thomas Keene.