Autumn Beech

This morning I was out early to catch the glorious sharp sunlight along the banks of the River Tay at Dunkeld. I have selected this shot of backlit beech leaves which also shows the texture of the bark. In addition, the light reflecting off the water has created a dappled effect on the trunk. I remember, as a kid, taking rubbings of the different types of bark on different species as a nature study exercise.

The river was in full spate after days of heavy rain. It is Scotland's longest river with its source in the far west, and it picks up a huge amount of water from the hills on its eastward journey to the North Sea. I can only describe the walks along its tree-clad banks as simply breathtaking on an autumn day such as this.