Weekly Photo Challenge – Serene

I only ever went camping once and that was enough to tell me that I didn’t like it.  Add to that the fact that neither of us is as spry as we once were and you can see why we rarely take the road less traveled.  Easy access is what we’re looking for these days.  However, even though we rarely get off the beaten track, there are still times when, no matter where we are, we experience that brief moment when everything seems serene and peaceful, as though we were the only people there to enjoy the view. Let me give you a few examples.

We certainly weren’t the only people who decided to take the Snowy Range Scenic Byway in Wyoming one day in October a couple of years ago but, pulling off into a convenient parking area along the way, we took a brief walk and were soon in a beautiful spot that offered a calming respite from a tiring day of driving.

After traveling through Wyoming we ended up in Utah where we were visiting our daughter and her husband.  They love hiking!  Rather rashly I agreed to accompany them on a ramble up to Cecret Lake near Alta and was rewarded by some fantastic scenery.  We passed a steady stream of people hiking back down the trail who kept telling us it was well worth the effort and every once in a while, when I was able to stop, take a deep breath and look around, I was inclined to agree.

The day we visited Antelope Island in Utah there were storms in the area. One had already passed through and another was on its way which probably explains why there weren’t that many people about.  The island seemed to be taking it all in its stride, very calm and serene.

On our drive out of Utah we stopped at several scenic overlooks along the way and always managed to time these breaks to coincide with a jolly bus-load of tourists whose exuberance and laughter became a familiar sound as we climbed out of the car at each stop.  I loved it! I got caught up in their enthusiasm and when they left, the place seemed deserted.  We were left to take in the magnificent view in silence. Until the next stop.

Spearfish Canyon in South Dakota was a popular spot on the day we decided to take a drive through there. Parking spaces along the highway were at a premium as everyone caught a glimpse of the same stunning views, all scrambling to capture an image before moving on to the next turn in the road. But despite the press of eager photographers, this was one of those places that made you feel like you were the only one there.

4 am at Lake Dalecarlia in Lowell, Indiana. I wanted to make sure I caught the sunrise and got up way too early.  Everyone else in the house was still sleeping so I grabbed the camera and crept outside.

And finally, The Chicago Botanic Garden.  I don’t know how many thousands of people visit this place every year but be in the right place at the right time and it can feel like you are the only one who has discovered this tranquil paradise.

For more on The Weekly Photo Challenge at The Daily Post go to Serene