Thursday, November 10, 2011

Fire on the Trace

I travel the Natchez Trace between Clinton and Ridgeland, Mississippi, several times a week, and this time of year it is a real challenge to keep my car from wandering off the road. The Trace is literally ablaze with the fiery colors of the Chinese Tallow trees that stretch for miles alongside the road, and it is a breathtaking sight.

Although they are considered a "nuisance tree" by many (my husband included), I love Tallow trees, especially in the Fall. Their translucent leaves shimmer in the sunlight, and remind me of stained glass.

Some people apply that old adage, "If you've seen one, you've seen them all," to Fall foliage, but you will never convince me of that theory. If you look closer at the foliage, you will see that each tree is different ... not only in size and shape, but also in the way light and shadows contrast its colors and the texture of its leaves.

This stunning tree caused me to slam on my brakes and pull off the road until traffic cleared, so I could back up to get a closer look (there's not a lot of traffic on the Trace, thank goodness!).

Now tell me, is that not the most glorious tree!

This coming weekend my husband and I are going to be traveling the Trace to north Mississippi for a weekend getaway, and I look forward to capturing more of God's glory along our journey.

5 comments:

Unknown said...

My heart skipped a beat when I read your title. LOL

Love the pictures...it is a beautiful time to travel along this route!

RachelD said...

Breathtaking, bright and beautiful.

Thank you.

Have a wonderful weekend, my faraway friend.

rachel

Richard Cottrell said...

I guess I am stupid, but was not aware the trees lost there leaves there, I guess you have winter as well, but just a little milder. These trees are beautiful. Have a wonderful get away. Richard from My Old Historic House.

Carolyn said...

These pictures are gorgeous! We used to travel the Trace to Hwy 82 when going to Mother's but now use Hwy 25 because it is faster. This Thanksgiving, maybe we will take the scenic route and hopefully some color will still be on the trees.
Carolyn

A Moment in Time said...

Janie, I saw this same scene yesterday and today driving along hwy 111 to Dunlap.. just breathtaking.