Beech terrace above the Don

Taking advantage of the continuing sunshine up here in Aberdeenshire, I was looking for possible landscapes near home this afternoon. Where I particularly wanted, the sun was in the wrong position. I couldn't move it, so tried elsewhere and found an unexpected path through beech woods above the River Don. Here, the sun was perfect, catching leaves, both dead and alive, on trees and on ground, as well as trunks and water, and bringing out the autumn colours, so I was a happy bunny, and toddled off home to choose which shot to Blip.

During the shoot I descended the very steep slope towards the water and then ascended with some difficulty. I was reminded of days long ago, scrambling up snow gullies without crampons or ice axe. Not sensible, but certainly fun! Today the 'snow' consisted of bright green, slippery moss, unstable fallen leaves under which was collapsible wet earth, and patches of bracken which I was convinced were full of dangerous ticks. I arrived home safely…