Let there be light...

What a glorious autumn day! I overcame my desire to stay snuggled in bed and got up before sunrise so I could go down to the river with the dogs. The weather forecast had predicted mist and fog, so I was hoping for some atmospheric shots.

When I went to start the car I was surprised to find ice on the windscreen! And when I got down to the river the grass was quite frosty - a week earlier than last year. There was a heavy mist hanging over the rowing lake, but the waning moon was still shining high in the sky. The swans looked quite magical in the pre-dawn light - I counted 78 yesterday - possibly a new record for our overwintering flock.

The river itself didn't disappoint, and in total I took 70 shots - very unusual for me as I tend to be quite a conservative photographer, usually taking only one or two shots of any subject. But this morning there were so many beautiful things to photograph - the swirling mist stained pink and then gold by the rising sun, hogweed heads decorated with cobwebs and frost and reed silhouettes.

As the sun rose the mist was filled with light - just stunning. And as I returned along the river, the sun had risen high enough to filter through the trees, producing the most beautiful ray patterns. But the best came last, when I found this poplar tree. The sun was shining at just the right angle to produce a second set of perfectly reflected rays, the first time I've ever seen this phenomenon in all the years I've been walking the river.

The rest of the day wasn't quite as magical, but Pete and I had a pleasant afternoon walk in Southey Wood, where again there wasn't a single fungus. And we spent a few productive hours in the garden, trying to control some of the summer's rampant growth, and planting some bulbs for next spring. Pete's volunteered to cook tea tonight - so I'm feeling thoroughly spoilt!

Thanks to everyone for all the lovely comments and hearts for yesterday's leaf - I think my sentiments touched a chord with many of you. I've certainly had lots of opportunity to stand and stare today!