Drifting

“The leaves fall patiently
Nothing remembers or grieves
The river takes to the sea
The yellow drift of leaves.”
- Sara Teasdale

Back to Nature and Natural Beauty

(Do you recognize the “sticks” from an earlier post? Revisit SIMPLICITY)

Many of you have asked where I find my images that show the beauty of nature or images that perhaps are filled with natural beauty. And, knowing that Paducah, KY is really just a small spot on the map for most people, I thought I might provide a very quick overview of our area.

It really wasn’t until I fully retired nearly two years ago that I truly have taken the time to explore and enjoy the beauty that surrounds us in this area.

Yes, when my son was young, we camped, sailed, and hiked some, but we truly didn’t soak in the beauty of nature. I think we were too busy then and perhaps in a different stage of life.

Now, with camera in hand, I often hop in the car for a drive solely to soak in all that nature provides us. And take photos, of course.

As you look on the map below, a short 30 minute drive to the East of us gets us to an area known as “Land Between the Lakes.”

Many of my images are made in the Grand Rivers/Kentucky Lake area. The images with water in them, or that are related to water, usually have been made in this area.

However, Paducah is located near four rivers — the Ohio, Cumberland, Clarks, and Tennessee. Thus, the rivers provide me great beauty as well.

If we head out a little North West of Paducah and cross over the river to Illinois, we have a whole new realm of beauty that awaits us.

Nearly all of my images with large rocks or wildflowers have been made at either Giant City State Park or Ferne Clyffe State Park.

To add to the beauty of our area, while we are a comfortable sized community rich in business, medical, and cultural opportunities, we are still somewhat rural. Simply walking around my neighborhood or taking short little drives around the county provide rich photo opportunities.

I hope this helps you know a little more about the area in which I live. No, Paducah is not the Grand Teton’s or the Great Smokies but it’s a great place to visit and a great place to live.