The Great State Park Adventure ~ Payne's Praire State Preserve

I almost didn't go to Payne's Praire State Preserve today...I was at work till about 2:30 this morning, and woke up pretty late...but with the beautiful weather that we were experiencing today, I decided I couldn't pass it up...so off I went...

This was only the second of such trips that I have made, but I am quickly learning something really important - what you look at is just as important as how you look at it. Sometimes it's important to look at things from a different angle and you will see something brand new and beautiful.

I captured a shadow from a
just above this leaf...

So, when you're looking for something new, you sometimes have to look really small, or even, right at your feet. You sometimes have to reprise what someone else sees so you can see what you were meant to see.




I was highly amused when I realized that I had taken a picture of barbed wire that was in the shape of my initial...how how often does that happen?? Granted, it's a little skewed and not exactly proportionate, but it's close enough that I will take it for what it's worth...

It was warm, but there was a lovely breeze. It made for a wonderful stroll...During the walk in the woods, it was great to see all the great old oak trees, Spanish moss hanging from all the branches. With the sun filtering through the branches, it was like liquid gold streaming into the woods.







While walking, I passed this old gate that was just before this old, abandoned home. At this point, this home is only fit for raccoons, squirrels, chipmunks, spiders, snakes and more nefarious wildlife. Upon further inspection, the chimney appeared to be the only part of this place that stills stands.

At the turning point of my walk, I found this dead tree, with a hole slightly above the base. It was a unique point of view, upon seeing the hole, I bent down and saw the trees through the hole. It made me think of several lines of a poem by none other than Robert Frost ~ "The woods are lovely, dark, and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep." But then again, also lines from "Nothing Gold Can Stay"..."Nature's first green is gold, Her hardest hue to hold. Her early leaf's a flower; But only so an hour."

I didn't get very far, as the Payne's Prairie State Preserve is VERY extensive. The path that I happened to take was a short one. It was only a mile and a half, and I only walked about half and then turned around. It will require a second trip to make sure I see everything. I will be sure to post pictures when I return. For now, enjoy the few that I have posted...