Take my hand...

 

Still some colorful leaves along the Cowlitz River at the end of the day...

 

It's getting dark earlier! Bare trees along the Cowlitz River...

 

The leaves are falling. Peak color around here was about 5 days ago, although there are some vivid pockets here and there. It doesn't matter. Even when trees are bare, they are still beautiful.

 

Just a walk in the park...

 

Beautiful trees...

 

The fading leaves are falling, but the tree is still amazing and beautiful!

 

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Nightfall...

 

The rain, the heron, and the house on the hill...

 

Colorful trees, and a colorful bridge!

 

Autumn brushstrokes

 

Early November can be beautiful in the park...

 

Spooky!

 

I wonder what's down there. Let's go!

 

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A rainy day in the wetlands...

 

The forest holds you in its embrace...

 

Just a little waterfall right next to the road...

 

I admit it--- I take lots of pictures of the mountain that blew its top off 43 years ago. But when the last light of day hits it-- wouldn't you?

 

A cascade of Autumn color, topped with a very tiny, and very temporary sprinkling of winter...

 

A hillside tapestry...

 

Like stained glass, the leaves are glowing in a late afternoon sunbeam in the forest...

 

Looking into the caldera at Sunset...

 

A lovely meadow in the late afternoon sun-- An earlier rain left a bit of glistening moisture on the ground.

 

In the morning light, she moves silently through the water...

 

The Great Blue Heron is not exactly graceful on the ground. They stand about 4 feet tall, looking a bit like medieval monks. But in the air, their 6 to 7-foot wingspan allows them to glide through the sky in a very awe-inspiring way. We are lucky to have them year-round.

 

What a wonderful moment... There's a glow to the wetlands.

 

Up in the clouds...

 

A narrow blast of late sunlight lights up a thin line of Fall color next to Coldwater Lake...

 

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We always have the best adventures! Happy 42d anniversary, Laura!

 

Silver Lake at dusk

 

There are still some pretty roses around. I love the color of this one!

 

A bird with a bug...

 

Look who flew in on gossamer wings... I think he's smiling.

 

Autumn's Palette, part 2...

 

Nature's Autumn Palette is on active display in the wetlands...

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Celebration!!

 

He seems to be listening for the river to tell him where the fish are-- Native American fishing platforms are common along parts of the Columbia River. This one is on the Deschutes River, about 20 miles south of where it enters the Columbia, in north-central Oregon.

 

A bat-house, high above the path.

 

Bart, I know he's your cousin's husband, but there's something not quite right about him...

 

Two, like one...

 

Go get it, Spike! Bite that wave! Has anybody ever figured out why dogs hate baths but love to jump in the ocean?

 

Beautiful light on a perfect fall scene in the wetlands...

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Looking down through a lot of colorful leaves!

 

Just before sunset, after a day of showers and sunbreaks, our favorite tree stands proud in the wetlands.

 

Color in the meadow!