Often I ache for my past rambles with old friends in the English countryside, but I regain calmness by taking my kids for a walk in the local nature reserve. After a summer away, we returned to its fields and woods this past week.
As we entered this haven, I paused to gaze at the echoes of a new season’s colors drifting across the landscape. As if sensing my mood, a light wind came and went leading the clouds away with it.
My daughter stopped to pick a dandelion and make a wish. I made mine silently too. 
Bees still hovered amongst the yellows. Where do they go in the winter, my children asked? 
But in the same breath there was a leap to catch a red leaf. We noticed a white feather on the ground lying next to a fallen leaf. An angel has been here we said.
And the sun pushed away the last of the clouds and I felt like I was in a painting filled with strokes of pinks and reds. 
And soft pastel hues. Then we went into the forest. 
The forest is just another playground for my children as we continued our walk in the nature reserve. More leaves to pick. Dead wood to throw in the air. Branches to drag across the ground. A wild turkey feather captured.
But I only noticed the silence as I stared at shadows resting on tree trunks.
Even here the sun had reached through the canopy to soothe me. 
But soon we retreated to the old fields and I noticed shades of white amongst its layers as some plants had begun fading away. A cricket hiding on an old seed pod.
And finally we headed back.
At home my son asked how and why and more about his feathers. My daughter sat contentedly with her leaves thinking of art projects. I still missed my friends but I was smiling again after our walk in the nature reserve.
(This walk took place in the nature reserve behind SOFO in Bridgehampton in the Hamptons)
TK says
There’s a beautiful symphony between your words and pictures. It was soothing just seeing this!
Kriss says
Thank you – that’s a really lovely comment.
Nichola Fabfortymum says
Oh what a lovely post and beautiful pictures. This is a beautiful memory you are creating for your children, just think in the future they might write about their wonderful walks in the nature reserve with you. I love the turkey feather too,
Kriss says
Thank you – I’m so glad they love going on walks. I think I’ve been taking them for long rambles in all different places since they could walk and run.
Cheryl (@CherylInTheUK) says
It is so true that the children think of forest, or any natural setting, as another playground. I love hearing their take on it all and of course the questions. So good to see it again but through their fresh eyes. A beautiful post. #CountryKids
Kriss says
I think they actually have more fun on walks than the playground 🙂
Sara (@mumturnedmom) says
What a beautiful post, the words and photos flow to create a wonderful, full picture of your walk.
Children are always full of questions!
Kriss says
Thank you! I wasn’t sure how to reply when my son wanted to know the exact engineering behind feathers!
Charly Dove says
What beautiful words and stunning photos Kris’s. It looks like the most wonderful place to visit 🙂
Hannah says
Beautiful photos – I love the one of the shadows on the tree trunk.
76 sunflowers says
What a gorgeous post and what an array of colours. The nature reserve looks beautiful and such a peaceful place to be.
The Reading Residencet says
So restful to do this – I wrote a post about it just a couple of weeks back, as I needed to retreat somewhere calm, too. Your photos are stunning, and I love how your children are still thinking about their outing on your return home #CountryKids
Kriss says
I’ll look for your post too. Thanks
shahnaz says
Lovely post and amazing views #countykids
Only Best For Baby says
What stunning photos. Your children must have loved the freedom of running around in such a beautiful location. I love the leaves 🙂
Kriss says
When we left they asked if we could come back the next day!
Coombe Mill - Fiona says
What a beautiful and tranquil place to explore, perfect for the children to have fun in natures playground and find some of it’s treasures. Lovely sentiments in your post depicting your walk perfectly. Thanks for linking up and sharing with Country Kids.
Kriss says
We love going there and it’s only 10 minutes away!
Kim Carberry says
Just beautiful x
BlueBeretMum says
Such a beautiful post and I love the photos!
Mummy of Two says
What beautiful photos. I felt like I was there with you too reading your words. Great post.
LearnerMother says
Lovely post and photos, and a great reminder that just being outdoors has so much to offer. Thank you!
Carolin says
Your photos are stunning. What a beautiful and peaceful place – looks like the perfect location for a long autumn walk.
Mammasaurus says
Ahhh such lovely photos – so nice to be out enjoying Autumn isn’t it? x
Kriss says
Love it – was sad summer leaving then remembered Autumn can be pretty ‘awesome’ as my kids now say.
Pinkoddy says
What a gorgeous walk. So many colours captured and I love shadows.
Kimmi says
Wow some really beautiful photography.
Debra says
What a lovely post, I’m pleased I’m not the only one who wishes on the dandelions when my son blows their seeds 😉
Mrs.AOK says
Oh my goodness these pictures and your babies are beautiful!!
Please tell me you printed this out to keep forever? I think this would make a beautiful gift to the children when they are older.
Thank you for posting this beautiful post via Mommy Monday!
XOXO
http://mrs-aok-a-work-in-progress.blogspot.com
Kriss says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it – we love going on our walks (me with camera always in one hand!). Thank you.
Galina V says
A beautiful poetic post! We lived for 3 years in the States, and I do miss the amazing stunning colours of fall.
Jaime Oliver says
Kriss i absolutely love walks like these they make for such perfect days!
thanks for linking up with #MagicMoments
Kriss says
Thanks Jaime – there is something “magic” about a lovely country walk.
Lisa Nelson - The Squishable Baby says
Kriss, this is amazing. What beautiful pictures to tell such a beautiful and serene story. I just love nature. I love the smells and the feel of the air touching my skin. It’s so calming and relaxing.
Thank you so much for sharing these pictures.
Lovely!
Kriss says
Thank you Lisa – nature walks are very soothing!
Jimmy says
Hi – where is this trail? I am in Sag Harbor and would love to know! Thx so much. Great site!!!
Kriss says
It’s the nature reserve behind the Nature Museum (opposite the Children’s Museum) – including one of the trails you can follow from the ‘Old Field’ into the woods on the North side.