Not every trail is naturally pristine

but even twisted metal panels stuck in a "stream" look beautiful in the right light along the Village Trail.

The kind of afternoon

when sun celebrates sudden surprise.

In the woods

 

and in town.

 

The Woods Are Still Busy

with serious work, even if I'm not.

While I was photographing this,

this happened.

 

Sometimes watching offers both rewards and challenges.

Good News, Bad News

Good
I finally found an unbelievably helpful blog post explaining how to use my camera's 4K features. Why the manufacturers don't hire people like Heather to write their instructions and make their instructional videos I'll never know. Nothing in my 400-odd-page manual actually explains anything clearly.
Bad
Heavy tree canopy and a cloudy sky made it impossible for me to practice what I learned.

Good
One Arrowhead Spiketail passed me four times along the now mostly dry creek/runoff bed on the Village Trail. 
Bad
Without sun or water, the Spiketail never slowed down or perched.

Good
On my way up to the elementary school, I just happened to see an amusing green caterpillar resting on the bridge handrail. My first ever Eastern Tiger Swallowtail caterpillar!

Bad
Heavy tree canopy and intermittent sun in all the wrong places make for a lot of awful photographs.

Always Good
I am easily entertained by photowalking.

If happiness is a warm puppy,

then waterproof hiking shoes that actually fit are bliss.

How lovely it is to be secure in my feet so I climb down a bank. walk along a mud bed, and watch Arrowhead Spiketails.

I owe many thanks to Clayton's Shoe Store, whose owner knows shoes and has infinite patience (these are pair number 5 I've tried).