Tags
beauty, deer paths, hiking, Nature, nature walk, oak trees, photography

I spent a lovely morning recently exploring some of the deer paths behind our home, stopping to take photos along the way. It’s steeper than it looks here, but the deer know the best way to travel this terrain. And the lovely walking stick my husband made me with it’s sailor stitching and nubby knobs helped.

I love these oak trees, the curving branches with their rough bark and soft grassy moss, the dripping branches with their lacy ribbons. The way the sun peeks through . . .



The backlit branches spiking the sky. The tiny twigs curling like calligraphy against the deep blue.


The deer paths led me through sun-dappled glades . . .



. . . and pass the graveyards of dying and fallen giants, their bare bones scattered and broken along the way. Enriching the soil and nurturing new growth.



As I headed home again I passed the gopher ghetto that edges our property, a space my husband keeps clear of growth as a firebreak. These greedy, prolific creatures gobbled up the roots of several of our favorite rose bushes this year. But the bevy of quail that live here love this cleared space to scratch and feed. And they use the holes as bathtubs, wriggling their fat little bodies deep down into the tiny tubs and splashing the loosened dirt over their shoulders with their wings.

Home at last, I end this journey where I began, with this gorgeous red plum tree the marks one corner of our property.

And a postscript pleasure just for you: this beautiful buck who took a nap in our front yard not long ago. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by so much beauty and wildlife.

Nice backyard adventures Deborah.
It was! 🙂
Deborah, thank you for sharing this lovely journey with us!
My pleasure, Valorie!
Awesome journey! I can see why they go to those places.
Thank you! Me too.
Just what I needed – thanks, Deborah. It looks like you’re in a safe(r) pocket of CA, even though the brownish-golden underbrush is ever present and fires loom too near for comfort, I’m sure. Take care!
We’ve been relatively untouched by the huge fires taking place north and south of us. So far. Knock on wood.
Good to hear. Thanks for letting me know.
Beautiful deer path with lovely nature shots abounding. What a plum tree! And that buck is gorgeous, too.
I’m glad you enjoyed, Kathy! We were quite surprised by the buck so close to our front windows. A rare chance to view him up close and personal.
You are right, Deborah–how often does something like that happen?
Really lovely photos! And the walking stick, too.
Thank you, Luanne. Love my stick!
Deborah, thank you for sharing. I enjoyed taking a lovely nature walk with you. And I loved the poetic narrative just as much as the stunning photographs. What a beautiful place you live in! x 😊❤️
I really appreciate that Joy. Thank you. I am blessed.
I love this and what a gift to have so much natural space to explore. It is definitely food for the imagination as much as it is for the soul. Can I ask what part of the world you call home? 🙂