The causeway at Jones Pond, along the Colonial Parkway in York County.
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Just in case you didn’t make it to our beautiful area to drive along the Colonial Parkway this year, I’ll share a few of our photos from yesterday.
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Escapees from the Gospel Spreading Farm along the Parkway, near Jamestown Island.
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We are always astounded to notice license plates and see how far visitors have traveled just to spend a few days here, near Williamsburg.
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Sandy Bay, near the bridge onto Jamestown Island.
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It is one of the prettiest drives in the country, beginning at Jamestown on the James River and ending up on the beaches of Yorktown. All along the way one enjoys beautiful vistas of the water, beaches, marshes, and of course beautiful trees. Modern life is mostly screened out as one travels along this historic road, through national park land, where eagles nest and herons fish by the side of the road.
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The path to a beach along the James River; a favorite spot for fishing and sunbathing.
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Yesterday was a perfect autumn day; bright, golden, warmish and alive with bright colors and leaves swirling to the ground on the breeze. It was the sort of day one fondly remembers in early February when the world has grown drab and frozen.
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Jones Pond
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Yesterday was the kind of day relished by a dear friend, who left us last Monday. His memorial service was at mid-day yesterday, and we were deeply grateful that the sun shone on him one more time.
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We drove along the familiar road remembering him, and remembering the many times we encountered one another at the various stops along the Parkway.
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We felt a need to appreciate the day all the more keenly in the wake of his loss, to soak in all of the color and life of this special place, in fond remembrance of those who have left us this year.
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College Creek at Archer’s Hope
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So in case you haven’t gotten out leaf gazing this autumn, I hope you will enjoy these photos from our drive yesterday.
And if the trees in your community still hold scarlet and orange, screaming Ginko yellow or Gum tree purple; please take a moment to simply appreciate the beauty of the day, the wonders unfolding around you.
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All we every truly have is ‘Now,’ and the only place we truly live is ‘Here;’ wherever your ‘here’ and ‘now’ might be.
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Please taste the sweetness of the joys each day offers us.
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Woodland Gnome 2015
Forest Garden 
We had beautiful weather and also took a drive through the countryside. Alas, the camera remained at home, but I do appreciate seeing your sliver of the world during this beautiful season.
Thank you Rickii. The mind’s camera records the most special images, though I would love to see your corner of OR in autumn.
Such magnificent fall beauty!
Sorry to read about the loss of your friend. This is a fine way to remember him.
When you mentioned seeing eagles, I had to tell you I saw my first one on our little river on Friday. My eyes popped out of my head! They are slowly making a comeback and have been on the CT and Deerfield Rivers for a few years, but in this little backwater, not since the 40s. Pretty exciting.
Eliza, that is the very best news I’ve heard in a long time! How exciting to spot an eagle on your own little river! We get so excited when we are outside working and hear the eagles calling to one another. I hope you will soon get to eavesdrop on the conversations of eagles, too! Wow! I hope you’ll write to your local paper to share the great news! We saw several bald eagles and a few Ospreys on Friday. No photos, but we enjoyed watching them. There were more birds out than we’ve seen in a very long time- Yes, it has been a fine autumn here. Our friend was very ill for way too long. We are sorry to lose him, but relieved his suffering is finished. ❤ ❤ ❤
A very special post. I’m very sorry for your loss and what a beautiful way to remember your friend.
Thank you for you kind thoughts, Mary. Our community has lost one of our most beloved friends and neighbors; a rare soul who left us long before we were ready for him to go. I hope this has been a beauty filled weekend for you, ❤ WG
Very sorry to read this, he must have meant a lot to many people.
I’m sure your friend was with you in spirit for this trip. What a beautiful day and reminder of who we are and what we are all part of.
A lovely post albeit tinged with sadness – sorry you lost a friend. This is a nice tribute to him.
Thank you, Cathy. It has been a sad time here in our community, as our friend was widely known and greatly loved. He was such a loving and generous person, and loved this community and this landscape deeply. We remember him with gratitude and affection. ❤