I love to travel. I enjoy seeing different places. Whenever I am coming home from a trip, I am amazed by the beauty that surrounds me right where I live. I have seen many beautiful places, but my little corner of western Arkansas can hold it's own with anyplace. It is particularly beautiful in the fall.
The Talimena scenic drive starts right here in Mena, and stretches across the top of the world for 54 miles to Talihina, Oklahoma. It has become well- known as a fall foliage viewing destination as the entire stretch of road comes alive with color in autumn. Beautifully striking reds, yellows and oranges cover the mountains during October and November, as seas of color radiate as far as the eye can see.
As beautiful as the Talimena Drive is, I want to show you the beauty that is right here in town, starting with my backyard.
MY BACKYARD
On my way to work each day, I drive past Cox Lake. For the last week or so I have been noticing how beautiful it is in the early morning light right after sunrise. (It's not that I go to work that early, It's just that with daylight savings time the sun is coming up so late.) After several days of wishing that I had my camera with me, I finally remembered to bring it. I was pleased with the photos. So often when I take pictures of fall colors, they don't seem to be as colorful as I remember. The early morning light really brings out the warm tones and makes lovely photos.
COX LAKE IN THE EARLY MORNING SUN
Probably the best known building in Mena is the restored train depot. Mena residents are very proud of the depot which was completely restored in 1987 from donations and many volunteer hours. As I was leaving First National Bank, I snapped this shot of the depot, with the trees that line the street next to the bank.
THE MENA DEPOT
Beauty can be found anywhere. Here are a couple of shots taken at my place of business. Some people have even called it a junkyard. Beauty can even be found in a "junkyard".
IVY GROWING ON MY WINDSHIELD WAREHOUSE
A COLORFUL TWIG OF IVY
Any road in the area provides beautiful scenes this time of year. I'm not sure who said it, but i love the quote "Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower". It is very true here in Mena right now, every leaf is a flower.
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I enjoyed the glimpse of your hometown. Love the last pic best. My dad installs windshields too. In the past few years he has tried to shift more to installing windshields and his wrecker service instead of focusing on selling parts off his cars. He had a crusher come in and crush 2 fields full! I have not seen it yet, but I am sure it will look REALLY different.
ReplyDeleteI just love the little table and benches in your back yard. Do you ever sit with your morning coffee and watch the birds? That's one of my favorite fall activities -- going outside just before dawn to watch and listen.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures Richie!!!I LOVE it!!!
ReplyDeleteSome great pix! And a truly beautiful part of the country you live in.
ReplyDeleteHappy halloween!
Gorgeous photos! My husband & I were just discussing coming down to Hatfield, Ark. for next year's changing colors rally for Christian Motorcyclist Assn. These photos did the trick for me! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos, Richard. I particularly admire the shots of the tree reflexion in Cox Lake. Lovely!
ReplyDeleteI love Nature. And i like this nature pictures,you have here in your beatifull blog.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Portugal.
Your photographs are beautiful. I love all of the fall colors and the trees reflections on the water.
ReplyDelete(wish you had name/url as a signature choice :) )
You did a great job capturing the Fall foliage your way. I love this time of the year and it is definitely beautiful your way.
ReplyDeleteOnce again, beautiful pictures!
ReplyDeleteThe last pic was postcard perfect! just amazing colors! am blown over!
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