Country Roads With Good Fences Along the Way

Come along with me and my Ramblin' Man
as we take a Country Drive

to see the last of the Autumn foliage along the foothills
of the Cascade Mountains here in Washington State,
even as some of you, Dear Friends, are experiencing snowy weather!

Today I am linking with: The Run*A*Round Ranch Report - Good Fences

 

As you can see by the windshield, it has been raining, 

but the rain has let up as we start our journey
at the top of our own little mountain road. 

Our native Big Leaf Maple shines golden on the left

and the beautiful conical shape of Western Red Cedar is on the right. 

 Maple, along with tall Cottonwood, glow
 as we descend into the valley. 

Douglas Fir points skyward. 

Some sheltered Sunflowers still blooming next to our town's youth center...

A beautiful old Kwanzan cherry tree by a cedar fence

with a large political sign
proclaiming the owner's affiliation.

A sweet little 1950's cottage with a handsome pony paddock. 

A tidy little ranch with its own tiny mountain.

Beautiful white fencing under a hole in the sky. 

A cattle shute? 

Native Alder trees (which don't turn color), 

and vintage fence with horses. 

Purple twin peaks loom overhead. 

Can you see the 'clear cut' on the lower

right flank of the mountains? Logging leaves ugly scars

on the landscape. These clear cuts are controversial 

and some say they are prone to landslides, such as our 

recent Oso Landslide which was the worst ever in the nation. 

Just this week, our state legislature passed stringent laws 

against logging on unstable slopes. 

A barbed wire fence along a marshy field

behind a large home framed by pointed Douglas Fir. 

A closer view of a pretty setting. 

Neatly laid out farmland under the same twin peaks. 

A favorite red barn. 

The beautiful pastures beyond.

Complete with 'Happy Cows'. 

We leave the farmland behind and travel 

through forest and small towns. 

An ornate estate wall contains crimson cherry trees

and a small blue playhouse. 

A magical place for a child to play! 

Understory color from Vine Maple and 

Ocean Spray under Douglas Fir. 

This vintage hotel sign caught my eye. 

Brilliant maples along a roadside walking trail.

A steep mixed forest hillside contrasts deep evergreen with burnished hues.

A water tower blends in with it's painted firs.

Golden grape vines escape their trellis along the roadside
as we turn around and head for home.

We pass through farmland once
more to discover this rustic scene.

A sudden squall shrouds the foothills.

Large cloud formations dwarf the distant mountains
as we leave the farmland behind.

A terraced stone wall elevates this Northwest style home
to take advantage of maximum views.

A lovely driveway with neat fencing, lined with cherry trees
as we near home.

The welcoming committee as we arrive home.

*****

Thank you for coming along on our country drive! 

All of these photos were taken while in motion 

with my Canon Power Shot ELPH 300 HS. 

Ramblin' Man doesn't like to slow down! :) 

xoxo

Since these photos were taken about 2 weeks ago, 

we have had very strong winds which have taken away our beautiful Autumn leaves. 

We had our first frost last night which has also taken my last remaining flowers. 

We lost our electricity last night with wind gusts 

over 50 mph, but today the winds are gradually easing. 

Many trees have fallen and many people are still without power

although ours has been restored. 

We are warm and cozy with two wood stoves burning

just in case it goes out again. 

Winter is coming! Keep cozy, my friends! 

xoxo