It was late afternoon, about an hour before sunset, as I headed out along the path through Roslin Glen. To begin with I walked in the shadows, with tiny slivers of light occasionally piercing through the layers of trees. The air was still as stone, but filled with birdsong, and then the path bent and I was dazzled by gold. It was so bright that the only way to see it was to look through the leaves, which were catching the golden light like tiny spoons. The light delighted and confused in its shimmering layers of gold falling back through the trees in rolling waves.
So bright, that the distance was forgotten in a burst of phosphorous white, and the river below lost to dazzle. Only the leaves could show the wild light of late autumn, catching it in their parchment folds and dry veins. Patiently showing us their tiny spoonful of light, caught in that moment. Light catchers, reanimated by the suns gold, enchanting our senses with light and colour. The rest was a burst of infinite white travelling on uninterrupted to the end of the universe.
We stood, the dogs and I, on the very edge of the earth, with the suns light streaming past us at a hundred and eighty six thousand miles a second, as the planet turned onwards. It was as though the trees were singing light from their branch tips, and the whole world was rushing at incredible speed. The only way to see the light was for it to be caught in a pause, a moment of rest, filtered by the earths canopy.
If I looked behind, away from the rush of light, there were wonderful patterns of shadows, light and colour, shimmering above my head. Like a day time Aurora, the trees flickered yellow, orange and green from their saturated shimmering leaves. The woods were alive with light, and it left me breathless.
The path bent again, and we dropped down the steep sides of the Glen, dipping into the shadow land once more. Here nestled away at the feet of trees were hidden wonders. Tiny mushroom fruits bathing in the soft diffused light of this pool of shadows. Tender and fragile in their moment in the light, with long tangled roots resting eternally in the dark.
Walking quietly in the hush of the soft shade, with my resting eyes drawn earthwards, the next corner revealed the ancient stone face of Roslins Green Man. Smiling from the corner of his carved mouth, his soft moss beard blended into the woodland floor. Here in the shadows he had rested, watching the passage of countless feet and ages gone, yet still he remained. The sense of calm from his deep stillness soothed my soul, rooting me back into my place on this earth. I knew I had to walk back out into the dazzling rushing light, but I paused a while in the shadows, resting with this old soul, who knew a thing or two about life.
To find balance and poise in a madly rushing world is natures true gift.
breathofgreenair 
I enjoyed this post … and I really like the mushrooms and the face in the rock. Nice!
That’s great to hear, and the small details hidden away in the landscape always make me smile. I hope your recovery is continuing to go well 🙂
the mushrooms…wow…so delicate…so fresh…so alive
That photo still makes me smile every time I revisit it 🙂
Isn’t nature incredible with her layers….
A beautiful homage to Autumn ! Most gorgeous.
Thank you, we were gifted with a gorgeous dry bright autumn this year, and the woodland dog walks have been so beautiful. I’m missing it now that the light has drawn in and the skies have greyed over.
Oh my … what is the story behind Roslins Green Man? Perhaps you’ve told his story earlier in these responses? He’s wonderful. Is he old? Or of recent origin? I smiled when I saw him. D
He is supposedly Celtic, and may be even older as some of the caves which line Roslin Glen contain Neolithic wall art.
This was a sacred site long before the St Clair family arrived in the 14th century and built their castle, followed by their now famous chapel.
He is carved into the base of a huge gnarled rock, the top of which is covered in countless centuries of rock carved wishes. He marks the side of a steep almost hidden path which scrambles down the steep edges of the gorge towards the river and caves. Some people call the rock lovers leap, but I’m not sure how old this tradition is 🙂
Fabulously golden shots. Nature is indeed the great balancer.
Gorgeous! I really enjoyed this walk in the forest. Thank you.
The figure reminds me of the them from Easter Island 🙂
All the best,
Hanna
Some great photos here, that is one thing I don’t like about Australia, we don’t have places like that. Most of our bushland or wooded areas stays green all year round. I love the colours of Autumn.
Lovely comment Leanne, and I know I would miss the turning of the seasons and their wild colours. For me autumn is all about colour, light and of course motion as these golden leaves tumble to earth with the wind.
Oh well you’ll just have to visit 🙂
I will. 🙂
I love autumn, so much more colourful than spring.
I love Spring too Leanne, with its bluebells and buttercups, and all that frothy blossom and those lime green leaves 🙂
I think it’s the constant change, which means nothing lasts too long before the next wave of weather and colour rolls in!
But I imagine one of the great things about Australia is the predictability of the weather….so you can plan outdoor activities ahead!!
Golden – every word and every picture. Golden green. I never stop being grateful of having found your blog – and you.
Aw Anna Christine, you’re making me smile as always. It will be so lovely to meet you in person next year 🙂
I hope so! At least I will love meeting you! We have planned the trip now and will be visiting some of your suggested places as well. If I could wish for something more…then I would like to meet your lovely dogs too…
It will be arranged as you wish 🙂
Wow, these photos are breathtaking! My favorite is the mushrooms… love the details!
Thanks, I loved that little cluster of mushroom and lichens……it’s a great mix of textures I think. All in soft shadows 🙂
Wonderful colour and light…and those mushrooms are just magical!
In a little world of their own, deep in the Glen, below the glittering light 🙂
What beautiful gold’s, you live in an amazing part of the world.
Thank you, I think the constant change can be beautiful….the gold has gone for now, replaced by cooler frosty shades. This Glen is beautiful at all times of the year, with the mystical Roslin Chapel sitting high above keeping watch!
The Goddess visits the Green Man.
You know me so well 🙂
That’s a beautiful walk! The fifth photo with the mushrooms is an amazing shot.
Thanks Amy, those mushrooms featured in the mushroom magic post….but a different shot 🙂
First you nick my willow tree now you’re snaffling post titles! lol 😀
You’re just such an inspiration 🙂
There is really no better phrase for trees in late autumn light!
How can I be upset when you’re so sweet about it! 😀
I think I’ll put in a link to your post.
Haven’t worked out how to do that from my tablet yet….but when I’m on the PC next 🙂
Keep the heid Mrs! Only joking 😀
Lovely golden hues. MM 🍀
Thanks, the light was dazzling. Great for playing around with the camera 🙂
And you still have to see it!
Oh my these images are breathtaking…the one with your dog on the leaves path…so perfect!
Why thank you, that’s Molly and she’s been up to her elbows in mud if you look closely…..and Maisie is hiding back in the trees 🙂
I love the woods on autumn days like this.
Thank you for taking me along for a walk. That 4th shot is my absolute favourite, Seonaid. 🙂
My pleasure I’m glad you enjoyed the golden woods Paula. Unfortunately the year has kept turning and now the light is less golden and a little colder 🙂
Keep warm, Seonaid. 🙂