Renewal

The trees have begun to shed in earnest in gently swirling blurs of colour as winter knocks very gently on our door to remind us the snows heading in from the north are imminent. I took,possibly, the last opportunity to visit the beautiful Vale of Clara in Co Wicklow and the surrounding villages today... I had an interesting chat with a local Trooperstown man about his preparation currently underway for winter snows as a warming sun bathed us in magical light. I went on my way better for the encounter and ready to storm the ever increasing beauty of the surrounding hills with my cameras, eager to capture the magnificence a friend had promised.... To say she delivered is an understatement.... I met a woman outside the quaint church of Clara Vale who had just returned from a long hike over the mountains with her dogs and she kindly wanted to share a cup of hot tea from her prepared flask... Though I declined her tea we spent an hour and more chatting (and listening) about the beauty surrounding us, the arts, ballet, current exhibitions.....nearly forgot the photos....but not quite... Rang a friend who lives close by for directions and she duly obliged.... Hearing her warm voice enhanced an already memorable day.... Wandered a few hours and never tired of the ever changing scenery but decided to head home to watch the sun set over the estuary.....The only thing that could have improved the day would have been the company of a friend for the enhanced experience that sharing brings....But there will be other days......just saying