How happy he, who free from care
The rage of courts, and noise of towns;
Contented breathes his native air,
In his own grounds.
-Alexander Pope, from ‘Ode on Solitude’
Yesterday provided a much needed blast of blue sky. I wanted to take some photos of old barns for a commissioned painting, so it was the perfect day for a rural afternoon drive. Most of my weekends while living in Montana included a backroads drive through the mountains; something I’ve missed in the years I’ve been back in the Midwest. I had forgotten just how much calm a drive through the country with my camera provides. Since I was on a (slightly unsuccessful) mission for barns, I didn’t take many photos, but the two above captured the spirit of the outing.
Where do you find peace and solitude?
Western Pennsylvania has some beautiful state parks. Walking through the woods, among the huge moss-covered boulders left by long ago glaciers- that’s where I experience peace.
Beautiful photos!
Sounds wonderful – I am a sucker for rocks and moss-covered settings, too! :)
We live a mile away from the quarry nature trails. We love it all year long – especially the dog!
Lucky! Living near trails is the best, isn’t it – I lived in a house about 50 feet from the base of a mountain several years ago :)