Winter arrived early this year when we woke up yesterday to two inches of snow on the ground! And just when we were finally catching our breath from the heat and smoke of summer...
The trail to the creek is both littered with leaves and dusted with snow, a space caught between seasons. Autumn hasn't even had time to complete its cycle and winter is already creeping in!
On my way down near the creek this little White-tail buck crossed my path. With the rut just beginning, he was feeling pretty bold and stood there stomping his feet at me as I approached slowly. But he decided that it was best for him to move on, and he did - circling back on me once - then moving on, but slowly and stopping often to look back at me. I wasn't sure if he thought of me as a challenger or a suitor! 
The light dusting of snow didn't leave a "winter wonderland", but it is pretty nonetheless. Frosting the still bright colors of autumn only adds to the beauty of it all. 
It will be short-lived however, as the temperatures are forecast to get up into the low 40s today, which will melt all of the snow and leave a very nice batch of MUD. This is the time of year to have towel hanging by the back door now, so the dogs won't track muddy pawprints into the house...
And while most people are beginning to store away their camera gear for the winter, I begin chomping at the bit. The flocking on the trees, hoar frost on fences and animal tracks in the snow make winter photography both challenging and interesting. I think winter is the BEST time for photography!
