We listen for the sound of the soft turf giving way with each footstep. We watch every little rustle in the leafy undergrowth. The darkened tunnel becomes our adventure today and we are high on the danger of it.
The boys have to hide first and then we girls count to 100. That gives the boys time to conceal themselves throughout the forest. We girls then set out to find them knowing that at some point either we will sneak up on them or they will ambush us cleverly before we can……
The giddy excitement of the increasingly spooky and darkening thicket. The ripe blackberries that lurk in the briars to distract us from our task. The shadowy woven branches of Willows, Ash and Beech. The unbridled screams of the found girls and the inevitable row over who saw who first…..
These greenest of green backwoods have been home to my dreams as along as I can remember. Dreams of bigger experiences and journeys. Dreams of a better me in a better world. Dreams of freedom and safety. Scary dreams too of what might be hidden in the dark there.
Every time I re-emerge into the light after walking in the backwoods, I feel I have lived that young girl’s fears and longings all over again……
Wow wonderful pictures of the backwoods and your words conjure up great images too!
Sarah x
Great images of these ancient woods and very evocative words.
I'm here for the first time and I adore your beautiful blog where nature is the leading part. Your writings in combination with your splendid photography are really gorgeous. I'm also a nature and garden lover and live in the Netherlands. I hope you don't mind I'm going to follow your blog.
You are very welcome Janneke, and thank you!
Wonderful story beginnings with these photos, love them all, but #2 is my favorite. If I would play Hide and Seek, better to wear all green.
I always think of the Lord of the Rings, when I see pictures like this – very evocative x
oh so beautiful, your photos are just amazing,
Looking at these images the scent of ferns and mosses and damp earth just jumped right out at me. Wonderful!
These are such magical woods I almost expect to see fairies…the woods of fairy tales. As my life darkens sometimes, I learn that coming out into the light helps me to see what I have learned so I can grow again…your words struck such truth and I immediately understood. We have to go into the darkness many times to realize our dreams….just an amazing post!
Loved the photos and your words certainly conjured up some wonderful images and feelings.
Beautiful words and pictures. I love the ferns and the woodland paths. Makes me want to walk along them.
You really brought your memories to life in this post. My mind immediately went to games we played in our neighborhood when I was a kid.
A paradise for the imagination, magical indeed! I love the way the green seems to consume everything in its path, even the trees 🙂
Amazing how the woods evoke such memories of childhood. I – too – remember that sense of freedom tinged with just a touch of apprehension..as we played!!! Beautiful post!
I love your way to tell stories! I can imagine how you feel. I used to play games like those too. 🙂 Different green colours even underline this story… love it!
Thank you all so much, your comments mean so much, and each one is treasured:~)
Those images! Wow! Just incredible.