Lots of wet in the wetlands--- The clouds are beautiful!

 

The train in the rain!

 

Looking down into the canyon, the waterfall at Harmony Creek...

 

Once upon a time...

 

The colors of winter...

 

Late afternoon magical light...

 

Mt. St. Helens Saturday afternoon--- The mountain would normally be covered in snow in December, but the rain has been warm. They say we'll get a lower snow level in the next few days.

 

The sun was shining in the wetlands this afternoon! More rain is on the way for most of next week, though.

 

The geese are glad it stopped raining for a while!

 

The sun came out to say goodnight...

 

We're lucky-- The rain eased up today in SW Washington. The Northern half of Western Washington has been experiencing massive rainfall and flooding--

 

It's just a little rain...

 

The Bridge at Astoria, Oregon, not far from the mouth of the Columbia River.

 

Unsettled weather along the Columbia River... But a series of "atmospheric rivers" is aimed at us. Windy, rainy weather with some flooding is likely through the middle of the week. Hey--it's December!

 

These mushrooms are glowing like Christmas Ornaments!

 

A very quiet time at the boat launch...

 

A lovely view of Silver Lake in the early evening...

 

Water under the bridge...

 

The old wood pilings along the foggy Columbia River still have their plants on top, but they're having their winter sleep.

 

December comes to Puget Island...

 

Reaching for the light...

 

The wetlands path, just minutes after a shower, and just minutes before sunset...

 

It's very quiet...

 

A father and his son, making memories at Silver Lake--- "It's OK, son, you'll catch one tomorrow."

 

Some moss, a few raindrops, and one leaf, still showing off!

 

As beautiful as the fish can be, sometimes there's a nightmarish quality to all the shapes and shadows. And then there's that scary guy at the bottom.

 

Do fish gossip?

 

There is still lots of color along this part of the Cowlitz River. This tree is glowing in the late afternoon, just minutes before the Sun dips below the horizon.

 

Come on in! The water's fine!

 

This is "Tigger." Tigger's been tied up here for at least 20 years-- but there's no sign of Eeyore, Piglet, or Winnie!

 

Like another world...

 

Most of the leaves have fallen, but these ferns next to the little waterfall will stay green all year.

 

Nature's own November Bouquet at the edge of the forest...

 

The Sun may be low in the sky on a November afternoon, but it can still be bright! The Japanese Garden in Longview's Lake Sacagawea City Park has a carpet of leaves!

 

I don't think anyone's been inside this old barn for a very long time...

 

Floating mountain...

 

There's a strange kind of beauty as Nature reclaims an old, unused farm structure down the road from us.

 

Night is falling-- more rain is coming in the morning.

 

Autumn glory along the Cowlitz RIver...

 

Late in the afternoon, the light was perfect on the road, the Fall leaves... Everything!

 

On the ground, the Great Blue Heron is not the world's most beautiful bird. Let's face it, they're funny looking! But in the air, soaring with that 7 to 8 foot wingspan, that disappears-- and what I see is one of the world's most beautiful, graceful birds in flight. Look at this picture, and see what I mean!

 

Even in the forest, with its tall conifers, there is still some Autumn colors, and November light...

 

Marvin the Mallard loves the Fall colors, too!

 

The hawk asks, "Who are you, and why are you there?"

 

From the Spirit Lake Highway, a sea of fog!

 

Foggy cows! They don't mind the fog so long as there is grass to eat.

 

The Riverfront Trail in our little town is especially beautiful with the fall colors. I hope it lasts just a little longer...

 

Fun on the Cowlitz River! I suspect they were in a hurry to get home to watch the game on TV!

 

Looking across the Columbia River at Mt. St. Helens with its new coat of snow...

The Grande Finale! It's November! And I am so glad we had such a lovely display this Fall. It won't last much longer-- the rain and wind will see to that. But it's sights like this that will make me remember and be grateful for the Fall of '25!