8.16 - Maple Tree

8.16.12 Maple Tree •  © Margaret Helthaler

A large maple tree stands majestically near a bend in Sundown Road...

8.15 - Beautiful Catskill Barns

8.15.12 Hasbrouck Barn • © Margaret Helthaler

8.15.12 Neversink Barn • © Margaret Helthaler

I haven't been out for a morning meander for several days, and while I had to postpone my walk again this morning, I decided to hop in my car and quickly capture some shots of local barns along roads I often travel by automobile but seldom walk. The picturesque setting, angles and textures of the two barns shared above frequently catch my eye as I drive along the back roads of the town of Neversink and neighboring communities.

8.9 - Katydid

8.9.12 Katydid • © Margaret Helthaler

This image was actually captured on August 7, but I was feeling uninspired this morning, so I thought I'd cheat a little and share the 8/7 runner up. I found this little guy (lady?) sitting on a post along the road. The Katydid song always reminds me of the bittersweet end of summer. I use to spend summers with my grandmother here in the Catskills and I knew as dusk began to fall earlier and the Katydids began to sing our time together was nearing an end...

8.8 - Where Are The Sheep?

8.8.12 Weathered Barn • © Margaret Helthaler

After convincing my friend to meet me at my house for our morning walk, I had a momentary lapse of memory (this seems to be happening more often as of late...) and hopped in the car and proceeded to drive to our regular meeting spot at the appointed hour. Once I arrived, I remembered we were meeting at my house and quickly turned around. As I drove past this farm on my way home I saw the sheep were near the road by the stone wall fence. Thinking this would make a great shot, but not wanting to keep my friend waiting, I decided we would extend our walk so I could return and capture the image. But alas, our four mile walk was for naught, the sheep had wandered back to the barn by the time we arrived. So I was left to focus on the lovely textures of one of the barns instead…

8.7 - Ducks on the Rondout

8.7.12 Ducks on the Rondout • © Margaret Helthaler

We encountered many fine feathered friends on our walk along the Rondout this morning.

8.3 - A Pear In A Pear Tree

8.3.12 A Pear In A Pear Tree • © Margaret Helthaler

The fruits of the flowering pear tree.

8.2 - Blue Heron on the Rondout

8.2.12 Blue Heron on the Rondout • © Margaret Helthaler

These magnificent birds are always a pleasure to watch.