As you can see I've been intensely bouncing between two extremes. On one hand, black and white photography, which I love, and on the other the wild colors of the fall season that will soon be upon us. This is not a recent phenomenon with me, it's a permanent state. I just love both very much! Each has something different to offer!

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Many times over the years I have found that I often prefer the journey to the destination, especially when it comes to hiking to waterfalls. Sure, the reward at the end can be quite magnificent, either tall, or with a lot of water rushing through. However, the gems along the way often offer something even more rewarding to me. What is that? Small mostly overlooked cascades bouncing over moss-covered rocks. All quiet, just the water humming. Most other hikers just passing by on their quest to reach the destination. Solitude, peace, quiet, escape from civilization and from people. Yep, I bet that's what causes me to stop so many time along the way, for sure driving my family crazy.

Water, Leaves, and MossShenandoah National Park

Water, Leaves, and Moss, Rose River Falls Trail, Shenandoah National Park

Many of these spots are very hard to leave and continue the hike. There are so many different angles one could cover. The light often keeps changing. Oh, and wait, how about a different lens to try? How about adding a polarizer to cut the glare to get nice deep saturated colors? It would not be a problem to spend over an hour at each stop. But how do you finish a 5-mile hike like that?

Fall CascadesShenandoah National Park

Fall Cascades, Rose River Falls Trail, Shenandoah National Park

Yes, it's a constant struggle and joy at the same time finding the balance between finding "the one shot" and covering the distance. I am sure this also leaves so many future opportunities to revisit locations like this. I would love to hike this trail again soon!

Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! (#etbtsy)

Previously from Shenandoah: Trouble with Color - The Details or the Wide and Grand? - The Skyline Drive View in Autumn - The Lonely Tree - Dark Hollow Falls - Cozy at Shenandoah - Skyline Drive of Shenandoah - Shenandoah Sunset - Different Look of Shenandoah at Big Meadow - Shenandoah is Waking Up - On Skyline Drive - Colorful Flashback - Luray Caverns - Luray Valley Museum - Fox Hollow Trail - The Treasures of Shenandoah - Distant Sunset Views - Hiking - Rose River Falls Trail - Still on the Rose River Falls Trail - More Waterfall Wonders along the Rose River Falls Trail - Continuing our hike along the Rose River Falls trail

Did you enjoy this post and the enclosed photographs? Visit the Landscapes Faraway gallery for natural landscape beyond Western New York to see more. If you are a fan of nature's fall colors, I have an Autumn gallery dedicated to that season for you. Please, let me know if you have any questions about photo products offered, or not offered. Looking for a present? I offer ready to hang solutions like canvas gallery wraps, prints on metal, and matted and framed ready to hang photographs. You can see the photo and product offering on the Products page.

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Lower Emery Falls in the FallAutumn Eternal Flame FallsAutumn South Emery Falls in the FallAutumn

Water Veils in the FallAutumn Fall At Watkins GlenAutumn

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