PHOTO ESSAY

Exploring the Forest After the Rain

When it’s dropping from the treetops

It had been a rather rainy afternoon. Heavy storms with lots of rain were passing our valley for several hours. But then all of a sudden it stopped. The rain stopped, the birds started to sing and frogs were croaking all around. The sun even came out a little and let the raindrops shine in the last sun rays of the day.

With lots of fresh air in the village and a bit of motivation, we decided to head out on an after-rain walk in nature.

The forest was full of life. The past few weeks were rather wet and humid and therefore the vegetation had been thriving. I even spotted some mushrooms which should not come out until late September.

Water was standing in the ditch next to the trail. Muddy patches all around us. The fern was growing in lush green covering huge areas of the forest floor.

It was dripping everywhere. Treetops heavy with water on the leaves were letting the drops one by one down onto the earth. When a light breeze entered the forest another quick rain shower came down on us. Not from the clouds. Just from the trees.

And then there were these beautiful bright-colored flowers on the side of the trail. Standing out from the green forest with their pink and violet shine.

We’re doing our round and after the turnaround point, we get to the pond. The only place in this valley where you can find water all year round, no matter how dry it is.

And you can find water lilies too!

While listening to the frogs starting their evening concert I’m capturing the stunning lilies and the vegetation on and around the pond. This is such a tranquil place. Far and cut off from any noise. You can’t even see our fairytale village.

But what I did see at that moment were the reflections on the water. The water was still and flat. Like a mirror did it represent a copy of the vegetation surrounding the small lake.

My favorite one is the image below. The mirrored image of the reflections on the water includes every little detail. Even the raindrops on the blades of grass can be seen. Incredibly how delicate this image is.

We’re leaving the pond behind us as soon as my husband was convinced I had taken enough photographs. It’s a never-ending fight between my countless photo stops on our walks and his growing impatience about those breaks.

Once we got to our neighbor's house he just walks straight down the stairs to our flat while I know I can now spend as much time as I want taking pictures. He won’t mind anymore since he reached our terrace and got the well-deserved beer.

And as the day is fading out the moon rises and shines bright and clear between the clouds.

This had been a rather different but incredibly soothing walk in nature. I’m amazed at how the vegetation looks just after the rains. Those raindrops running down the blades of grass and dropping off the petals of every wildflower are just the cream of the crop.

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