“Torches Ablaze”

A belated Happy Autumn Equinox to everyone! I just wanted to take a minute to pay homage to the passing of the torch from Summer to Autumn and then will be getting back to part 2 of my story in progress tomorrow.
This image is from my home state of Pennsylvania, Ricketts Glen State Park to be precise. Known for its waterfalls, Ricketts also has a lot of other natural beauty to offer as you can see! I learned early on in my visits to this Park that Fall color comes quickly on the mountain tops in this Northeastern region of the state. I recommend visiting late September/early October for the higher elevations around this neck of the woods if leaf peeping is what you come for. Color does work it’s way down the glens and mountainsides through October but up top the Sugar and Red Maples of Red Rock Mountain blaze like beacons to let us know one of Mother Nature’s grandest shows of the year is upon us!
On this particular late September evening from several years ago, the conditions were incredible as the fiery maples glowed like “Torches Ablaze” in the last golden light of sundown! I can still feel the crisp air and the smell of Autumn standing there. I camped in the Park that night and after a prolonged pink sunset glow along with waxing crescent moon, coyotes shrieked and wailed in the distance. Such sights and sounds of the season, and it’s only September still I thought…

Alongside sharing the rest of my Summer adventure with you I also have a few new image releases and Autumn favorites to highlight as we enter this spectacular season. Until next time, “Torches Ablaze”!

“Torches Ablaze” - Brandon Kline

“Torches Ablaze” - Brandon Kline

The other side...

         As a boy from the Northeast, when I was younger I always dreamed of seeing California and the Pacific Coast by the city lights of Los Angeles and the Santa Monica mountains as the ideal way to see "the other side" for the first time.  Well a lot changed over the years in terms of the man I have become and what my idea of ideal is.  The mountains, forests, and the call of wilderness has replaced city lights and hustle bustle.  

         This past Summer, at the age of 39, I finally saw the Pacific Ocean for the first time, far away from any lights other than those of the campfires on the beach and the endless sea of stars in the night sky, along the coastline of Olympic National Park... And I wouldn't trade that experience for any other I could have had!  For this boy from the Northeast, here is my first look at "the other side." :-)

         Happy Memorial Day friends, enjoy the kick off to Summertime fun and adventures!!!

                                                                                                        Brandon Kline