There is a trail that runs behind the laundromat here in Binghamton, NY. They call it the rail trail and it is a paved trail on the old rail line that is great for walking, biking, and roller-blading.

While I was waiting for my laundry to dry today, I headed out and decided to get some walking in as the weather was gorgeous and the day mildly warm.

And little did I know…

There are some nature trails that branch off the main trail!

I’m a country girl by heart and grew up walking the trails next to my house. So this felt like a dream and a gift to me. There is nothing more magical than the woods…surrounded by trees, fresh air and the sound of leaves crunching underfoot.

I saw deer scampering away from me as I wandered on; a few bunnies, too, and everywhere there was the rustle of chipmunks, birds and squirrels scurrying away from the path. Even though this little sanctuary is wedged between two highways, and you can hear the distant sounds of trucks and cars rumbling along the road, it is amazing to me how life manages to flourish anyway in the small, forgotten places of the world.

And I stumbled upon this beauty:

A Great Egret, stopping to rest in the swamp here as it migrates South. They are usually pretty rare in this area. (I wish I could have gotten a better shot, but my crunchy steps on the leaves scared it away.)

I was amazed at the vastness of the landscape…such a small woods, but so many mysteries, so many great surprises.

I am a Summer girl through and through, but Fall is such an amazing time of the year for me. It feels like a season of great reflection, to remember to appreciate the beauty of the things around you before it goes away for a while.

Such a great day! And I was very pleased with the shots I got. What do you love about Fall?

Is it the food? The weather? The colors? Comment below if you want!

Happy Writing Everyone! 🙂