Sunday, October 11, 2009

It's Autumn in Narnia


... and you know what that means ... Winter is on its way! Finally! Yay!

But wait, I'm getting a little ahead of myself.

The best fall foliage in Ohio yesterday was an hour’s drive north at an ominous-sounding Lake County Metropark called “Penitentiary Glen.” On the way, I looked for the entrance I’d found to Narnia three years ago last February … But there was a wedding party nearby, so I went on by.

Having no clue where the trails were, I wandered into the Nature Center to ask. The ladies behind the counter gave me a map. Someone remarked that this was a long way to travel since I was used to hanging out in the Cuyahoga Valley. I answered that I’d come up here before to go to the Holden Arboretum, and Narnia which you could get to from around here.

The mention of Narnia brought an “always be good-humored towards Metropark guests” laugh which was sunny, bright, and cheerful along with being skeptical. I was content with not trying to convince anyone. To their minds I was probably one of “those eccentric artist people” with maybe a touch of the proverbial absent-minded professor thrown in. Carrying a camera with a long dangling broken strap didn't help.

The trail worked out very nicely.

Driving home, the entrance to Narnia was open and empty. Two minutes later, a couple pulled up to see if I was having car trouble. They drove off when they saw me peering intently into the woods with a camera.

Mission accomplished, I got in the car again and turned on the radio. By coincidence, after changing the station several times, a song inspired by The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe came on called “Remembering You” by Steven Curtis Chapman.

And of course, I love the fact that it’s autumn in Narnia, because that heralds winter! Bring on the Snow!! Okay, let’s enjoy the autumn leaves first … But as soon as the last leaf’s fallen … Let it SNOW !!!

The Queen of Narnia has spoken …

For anyone new to this blog, here’s a link to an earlier entry that may help explain things:


12 comments:

Montanagirl said...

Nice post, and I love the photo.

Mami said...

I can see Autumn Narinia seems beautiful but winter...seems mysterious and scarely.

And thank you for telling me 'sun dog'imfomation on my last post.Very useful for me.Arigato!!

Teresa Mallen said...

Yes, we await the white stuff! Parts of Ontario had some unexpected snow on the weekend but not us. I was waiting by the window in anticipation. :-) For now I soak up these autumn days. The foliage is at its peak here and it is glorious.

Mary said...

Your post made me smile :-) We are listening to the Tales of Naria...we're on book 4....in our car right now, so this was just the post I needed to read to make my day. Love the lamp post(and now I know where it came from in Narnia)

EcoRover said...

"Narnia," gotta love it. In your 'hood (Pittsburgh) for a few days, nice to see those fall colors again.

Janie said...

Beautiful autumn colors there. I'm ready for snow, too.

CoyoteFe said...

Love the serendipity of your Narnia experience. Have to MOAN about your wintery obsession however. Yes, yes I am a green goddess child. Yes, I CAN become enraptured by the falling snow, and the winter holidays are grand. Then comes January ... urk ...

Anonymous said...

I am not ready for winter but am up to my knees in leaves and tired of raking so maybe it would be a welcome change! Love the photo.

Arija said...

Here is one newcomer who needs no explanation since we have the ruins of Cair Paravel on our farm.
I'd still like to get to that lamppost of yours, with or withour a fur coat.

Annie Jeffries said...

Missing you. Where are you?

Mary said...

Just checking in to say hi!

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Poetic Artist said...

I always love all your photos. I miss your visits and I see you have not been posting lately? Are you driving all over the country?.
Always,
Katelen