Sunny fall Friday’s are priceless.  When the wind is low, the temperature is not too cold and the leaves are all just the right color.  It is the best time of year for taking pictures, no other time of year has such color and lighting.  I also miss exploring new places desperately, and the opportunities just are dear.  So this Friday I tossed the to-do list and in priority came this place, which I had heard was very serene and beautiful.

I grabbed this intrepid explorer and a camera, and with our directions, headed off.

It felt good to be in the right place at the right time.

It felt even better to be surprised at how beautiful the Abbey grounds were.  Here is their pond and waterfall which has a small trail around it.  The serenity made me want to come out there with a sleeping bag and tent, but I wasn’t sure if the monks would appreciate that.

Six-year olds don’t really do serenity as much as silly shots.

I believe this is my favorite one of the bunch.

My intrepid travel partner was mainly there to enjoy the snacks she brought, but she kindly let me go around and do my thing while she ate way too many animal crackers.

This guy was reflected entirely in the pond and made me smile.

Home again home again jiggity-jig to the huge beauty in our own front yard which invites the whole community to help with raking.