Today was a beautiful autumn day, with temperatures warm enough to give Tucker one last romp in the lake before the water gets its winter chill, so we decided to head over to Red Top Mountain and do a bit of hiking.
On our way to the trail, we took a slight detour so I could try and take a picture of an old mill that always sparks my imagination. Since the hour was early and a misty fog was still lingering, I wasn’t able to get the shot I was hoping for. We only stayed for a moment and then made our way to the mountain.
Since we are about a week shy of the autumn colors reaching their peak here in North Georgia, the trail seemed extra beautiful. I love the leaf-littered look of the wooden bridge crossing the stream.
And there’s just something alluring about a lake cushioned by the colors of fall.
At about the halfway point of the trail, there is a clearing that makes a great spot to get in the water; this is the place where Tucker removes any doubt that he is mostly Lab! As soon as we get near this spot he is like a kid in a candy shop, eagerly awaiting his game of fetch.
He bounds into the water to retrieve his glowing green stick (these things are great – they’re durable and they float!)…
…then does it again…
…and again…
…and again…
…until finally he begins to come back without the stick.
This is when we know that the game has probably reached its end and poor hubby gets to wade into the water and gather up the toys. Hey – I guess I had two retrievers with me! And speaking of hubby, we can’t leave him out of the pictures!
Once the fetching was finished, we followed the trail to its end and explored the large boulders. When I look at the picture below, I can’t help but smile – Tucker has come a long way from the abandoned, undernourished dog we adopted in June; now he is a spoiled but beautiful beast!
On our way back home (with Tucker happily living up to his name on the back seat) we stopped by the mill once again. This time I was able to get a better shot. I just love old architecture – and when you can get wood and water together, well that’s a bonus!
I have to say, it really was a lovely autumn outing.
Love the picture of the mill and the happy mammals!
Happy mammals indeed!
what a gorgeous place to enjoy!!!
You would love it – and so would Charlie!
Lovely photos. What kind of camera do you use?
Most of the time (and for these shots) I use a Canon T3i. Nothing fancy. 🙂
Wonderful post, beautiful photos, Tucker included!
Tucker is one tired dude after such a fun-filled morning!
Misty fotos always evoke a sense of place and yours is no exception. Lovely day. 😁
It really was a lovely day. So much beauty. 😊
That old mill is indeed very picturesque — takes you back into the past. I bet it could tell interesting stories.
I agree…lots of stories!
Lovely outing! I really liked the first picture you captured of the old mill….shrouded in mystery 🙂
Wish you could have seen it in person…couldn’t really capture it in a photo.
Looks like a fun time had by all! 🐾❤️
It was my favorite kind of fun. 😊
Wonderful pictures!! Love the autumn colours 🙂
Autumn colors are the best!
Wonderful post! Tucker is very handsome as well as hubby ☺ the 2nd mill photo is gorgeous!
It was such a wonderful day – my favorite kind of fun!
I like both the mill photos–the first one is mysterious. And I love that Tucker is rebounding–what a wonderful job you’ve done. He is a happy, healthy, beautiful dog! Great post, Kathy!
Rebounding – that is a great word for Tucker this morning. As I am replying to your comment, he is rebounding off the walls, eagerly trying to convince our very old cat to romp. He is being met with one swift clawless swat after another!
Wise old cat!!!
What a beautiful picturesque place, an artists dream. So glad you all had such a lovely time there.
Soul nourishing! I find I can’t go long without being in the midst of beauty. 🙂
Beautiful!
Gorgeous autumn outing with hubby! Loved Tucker’s photos too, reminded me so much of walks and water with our beloved black lab “Shadow” who I still miss after eight years. Black labs are awesome dogs and was my buddy too! 🙂
I have a 15 yer old retriever mix named Shadow. Labs are definitely quirky, lovable beasts!
Awwwww…..they sure are part of the family!
Simply stunning, wonderful shots! A true joy to watch!
Thank you!