Mt. Kenya Shadow Shots

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Heading north from Nairobi, the first stopover on our African safari was Mt. Kenya’s rustic Mountain Lodge, nestled in the lush highlands of Kenya. 

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Upon arrival, we were offered an afternoon walk through the shadowy woods, with firm instructions to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants tucked into boots. It seemed a curious request on this balmy, sun-filled day, but we eagerly changed and got underway.

Following our guide into  the forest, the wisdom of his advice soon became clear… mosquitoes fluttered around us, and tiny ants swarmed in great numbers over our feet. Though small, these siafu have huge pincers that inflict great pain upon reaching bare skin!

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Insects were not our only threat, evidenced by the pair of armed guards who accompanied us, rifles slung over their shoulders and fingers at the ready.

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We grew accustomed to their presence on walkabout throughout East Africa, one always at the lead, one taking the rear. The guards protect tourists from possible animal attacks, and are considered vital in the control of poachers whose ruthless greed is swiftly and inexorably reducing the herds of African wildlife to alarmingly low numbers.

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No danger found us in the woods that day. Instead, we passed into a clearing to find afternoon tea awaiting us!

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Fine china cups filled with steaming hot tea, thin crisp biscuits and a welcome lack of insect life capped off this first taste of Africa with unique and unforgettable style.

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I suspect I will never again take afternoon tea that could top this one!

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I'm linking this post to Shadow Shot Sunday, hosted by the gracious Tracy at 'Hey Harriet'. For more shadowy photos, do check out the link below...

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.http://heyharriet.blogspot.com/

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Sunday Rambling

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For us, Sunday is a day to wander. With our little dog in tow, my husband and I explore places near and far, changing plans and directions as the mood takes us. Yesterday, we set out for the shore, only to come across a local park we had not been to before. We ended up staying for the afternoon and never did make it to the beach.

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I knew it was the right choice when we came across one of the abandoned buildings that I so love to photograph.

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Watershed Park is so named because of an underground aquifer that feeds into the neighbourhood water works.
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The derelict remains of an old pumping station immediately captured my attention, and unlike the places we so often explore, there was no sign prohibiting entry!

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I might have wished for better light in which to photograph. After an uncommonly hot, dry summer, we've slammed into a gray and damp September. Our normally lush, coastal rainforests are subdued and pale
and the sun has hidden itself away.
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That did not deter me from taking shots as I wandered through the brambles and moss that had overtaken the ruins.
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The park is mostly evergreen, and the odd bright tree stands out like an exclamation point against the darker background.

Continuing on the trail, I focused on the many nurse trees our forests have in abundance as new life begins in old stumps.

Already, the air had the rich, earthy smell of Autumn, and a layer of dampness lightly coated the leaves.
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Shiny salal and skunk cabbage peeked out from the trees, and tall, purple columbine peopled the paths edge.
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We had the park mainly to ourselves. Families of shcool-age children would be at the mall in search of back-to-school clothes, or tracking down the
inevitable list of stationery needs. With no such concerns,
we wandered at leisure, watching our own playful pup as fondly as if she were a child.

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As it neared time to leave, the sun finally put in an appearance, laying pretty dappled patterns across the crunchy gravel path and softening the air. I took a few last shots, packed away my camera and we set off to Starbucks, our normal way to finish off each Sunday walk!

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It was a very good afternoon indeed...

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Leafy Shadows

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I love everything about the Fall, from its crisp, cool air laced with the scent of wood-smoke to the brilliant array of colours our Canadian forests take on

as September works its magic

on the painted landscape.

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This is that perfect time when the old resides with the new. I can catch the russet hues of maple leaves pulling on their winter coats, or capture the quiet green cloaks many plants still wear since pulling them on in the spring.

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It is a brief interlude...a respite of short days, before long, chilly nights and cool winds cause my beloved leaves to curl up tightly into themselves,
and become mere shadows of their former glorious selves.

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In the face of impending and inevitable change, my camera and I do our part to capture the beauty of the changing Autumn landscape. Turn away for a moment, and it will be winter, with its own charms and challenges.

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The cyle of seasons is cause for celebration no matter which mantle Mother Nature dons, and I will always be there with my vain attempts to capure that breathtking beauty.

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As if such wonder could really be contained...
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Many thanks to 'Hey, Harriet' for hosting this Sunday event! To see more, do drop by her page at...

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http://heyharriet.blogspot.com/
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