An early morning surprise, and lots more photos of Autumn in the woods.

The other day, I stepped outside to see, visitors.

In this part of the South, if you live in an old white house,

Ladybugs on the porch mean cold weather is on it's way.

 Ladybug

Ladybugs are attracted to light colors when they start looking for someplace to spend the winter.  What better place to spend a winter, than in a lovely old Antebellum home in the woods. 

 Evening in the woods

Since our adventure last week, we have been leaving for our walks a little earlier. I took the camera with me again last Sunday evening. The lighting and leaves were lovely.

 Autumn sky

It was a lovely evening for a long walk. 

My Sweet Husband is the best of company.

 What?

Glanced out one bedroom window yesterday morning, and got a serious surprise, can you see it? No, it is not the plant, 

(The plant is an Angel Wing Begonia, it's always that lovely color).

 SNOW?

Yes, you heard me right, Snow on November first in South Carolina.

Apparently this is the earliest recorded snowfall for this area. 

I am not ready yet! Still enjoying Fall....

 Oaks with snow

The oaks out front and the lawn were lightly dusted. 

 Antebellum porch with snow

The flakes were huge, here you can see a view across the front porch. We don't usually get snow while the leaves are still on the trees. I think it made for some wonderful pictures. 

 Another view from the Antebellum porch

Here is a view from the side. 

 Autumn leaves and snow

 Snow on the path

As you can see, the dogwood's leaves are turning, the snow seems to emphasize the colors.

 Old Barn in snow

The old post and beam barn looks nice year round. 

 Autumn color with snow

 Brr!

 38 degrees Fahrenheit, 4 degrees Celsius.

Fahrenheit sounds warmer.

 Pecan Tragedy

The oldest Pecan tree, lost a large limb from the weight. 

A few other trees lost smaller limbs as well.

 The Summer Kitchen with snow

The old summer kitchen looks quite romantic in the snow.

 Old Smoke House in the snow

 Oak and Elm

 Floating leaf

By the time we went for our walk, the snow was gone.

The woods are getting lovelier by the day. 

 Leaves on the road

I love to take walks on country roads.

This time of year, there is beauty around every corner.

 Curve in the road

See what I mean?

 Color and contrast

 Gold in the sky

Leafy Collage

I will stop for now, my brunch is almost ready.

It is a great time of year to live in the woods.

Especially in a lovely snug old Antebellum Home.

Cheers!

Kat

Stuff around the house and a bit of a fright (why you should probably not go for walks in the woods at night)

Stuff around the house

As you can see, My Sweet Husband has been busy again.

As the two pictures in this frame show, he has been removing the windows (on the left you see just the storm window in place) then carefully cleaning repairing and repainting where needed. 

 A few seasonal items

 This is one of my favorite Halloween decorations. I can't remember what this type of printing is called, but it really makes me think of my childhood.

 A seasonal treat. Something else that reminds me of childhood.

Do you remember this stuff?

 Jack

He is one of a set of two, they are currently glowing on the mantle.

 Our woods in the evening

We have been crazy busy lately. This weekend was no exception.

By the time we were ready to go for our walk, it was getting late.

The temperature was a little crisp, but still lovely, so we decided to go anyway.

 There is something so very peaceful about walking in the woods at twilight. 

 That is until you look down and see your foot about to step on this guy. I honestly do not know why I looked down and I don't think I realized right away what it was. I stepped away, took a couple more steps, then turned around and told My Sweet Husband, Look, a baby snake. (It was only about 18 inches long). He told me not to get to close, I listened.

This picture was taken by the light on My Sweet Husband's key chain (with the zoom lens). He said he did not think it was a baby, look how fat it is (take a look at the end of the tail too).

 Look him in the eyes

I finally figured out how to get the flash up, it was really too dark to see. This picture shows the shape of his head and the pattern on it's scales. No worries, also taken with the zoom lens. 

We left him in peace and headed carefully back to the car (this time with My Sweet Husband's light on the path in front of us. 

This morning we looked it up and we think he is a Pygmy Rattlesnake (who knew there was such a thing). 

I feel very lucky right now. 

One more picture from last night.

As I hum that one line from "The Teddy Bear's Picnic", 

you know the one that goes

"If you go down to the woods at night, you better not go alone"

Have a great week,

and watch where you step.

Cheers,

Kat

Overland Expo 2014, and pumpkins....

Pumpkin Patch

One of the local churches has a pumpkin patch fund raiser each year. They set up elaborate displays with pumpkins in various sizes and shapes. 

Every year, we drive by numerous times, and promise each other we will stop to get a pumpkin and take pictures, "next time we pass".

A fine pumpkin

Last week was very busy, but as you can see, we finally stopped.

This lovely example will help decorate for the season, and then, perhaps wind up in something tasty.

(I love pumpkin season)

Colored leaves, or Stained glass?

Sometimes being short is an advantage.

From below, with the sun shining through, these leaves look like stained glass.

Overland Expo 2014

Why was it so busy, we went to the Overland Expo in Fletcher NC.

The Overland Expo is all about Outdoor adventure travel with an emphasis on 4 wheel drive and getting off road. 

Sportsmobile

Sportsmobile is a California based company that specializes in van conversions. These are more advanced than our trusty old VW. Some features you can choose include, comfy bed (or two) sink, portable toilet, gas stove, microwave, hydraulic lift to raise the roof, and solar power to keep it all going. You can even get USB ports to power all your devices. This one started out as a Ford Econoline.

First 2015 Mercedes 4 x 4 Sprinter in US

These beauties will arrive on the market here next spring. Sportsmobile will be converting them for outdoor adventure. Looks like fun to me.

Exploring Elements

This couple lives in their vehicle, it is also the base of their business. They lead, photograph, and write about off road adventures. Check out Exploring Elements . Their vehicle is based on a dodge cutaway. Very nice.

Vintage Apache Pop up Trailer

Not all the vehicles are new. I am not sure how old this one is, but it looks just like one my Dad considered buying back in the late 60's or early 70's. The end bits fold in then the top folds down.

Modern Titan ORT tent trailer.

We saw several versions of this. One big advantage to this over a traditional tent, is that you are up off the ground.

Chaser Tent Trailer

This one is rather more elaborate.

Look in the lower corners for an interior view with my Sweet Husband. 

Happy Toyota

The expo offered an overland driving course where participants can either put their vehicles to the test, or learn how to make the most of their equipment. The event lasted three days and included a full schedule of movies, classes, events and exhibitors. 

This Toyota has been playing in the mud. I wonder if my Tacoma would be jealous?

Freedom Camper on Toyota Tacoma

Speaking of my Tacoma, Here is a camper that would fit. 

Well, this one might not fit as this is the newer Tacoma (mine is a 2004 model, the last year they made the smaller size) however, Freedom Campers are custom built,  so it could be made to fit just right. This one has a stove, large fridge, television, sink, portable toilet, comfy bed, and USB ports. 

The camper power is supplied by a suitcase sized solar panel.

Show Hauler BMW

We did not get to see inside this one, it belongs to another guest. I would be willing to be it is pretty fancy.

Vintage Avalon Camper

This is one of my favorite things at the show. The lighting was not great so it is hard to tell from the photo, but this camper is a bright silver just like the old Airstreams. The man who built them back in the 50's used to work for Airstream. He broke off and made a limited number of these. The owner told us that they were reinforced with an extra layer of aluminum. 

Motorcycle with side car

Motorcycles can play too. This one looks like it is ready to handle anything. 

Another version of the tent on top.

Land Rover Camping Area Sign

I like the sentiment on this one, 

"You can go fast, but I can go anywhere".

Land Rover with a pop top

With a little ingenuity, comfort is at hand.

Classic Land Rover

I love the face on this one. It looks like it is more than ready to go out and play. 

Toyota Land Cruiser with Tent

When you are done camping, it all folds up into a carrier that is mounted on top of the vehicle. 

Not exactly "Stealth Camping", but who needs stealth if you don't have to stay on the roads? 

Land Rover Defender

Another great looking Vehicle. This one has British plates on the front. I wonder if they brought it over just for the show?

Land Rover from Australia.

Nicely set up as an outdoor home. Looks like this one has been to the outback and is ready for anything. 

The weather was cool during the event, and the night promised to get cooler. Everyone we talked to said that wasn't a problem, they were ready for it. After all, you can't let a little weather stop you from having adventures. 

So, what do you think?

Want to do some exploring?

Spontaneous says, she would rather stay home, but I think it sounds like great fun.

Cheers,

Kat