Witches in the woods

Summary

A forest is transformed into an enchanted setting by a little girl who hangs witch dolls among the autumn foliage, creating a magical scene that captivates a hiker and author, Luciano Abriata.

Abstract

Luciano Abriata, a biotechnologist and chemist with a passion for nature, science, technology, programming, and DIY, encounters a bewitched forest scene during his numerous hikes. In the fall and winter, he stumbles upon a whimsical display of witch dolls suspended in the trees, the creative work of a little girl. The forest, with its vibrant autumn colors and quiet ambiance, is further enchanted by these witch figures near a river bridge and a confluence of two streams. Abriata documents his encounters with the dolls, which seem to move overnight, adding to the mystique of the forest. He shares his experiences and photographs of the witches and the serene landscape on Medium, inviting readers to explore more of his stories and become Medium members.

Opinions

The author, Luciano Abriata, expresses admiration for the artistry of the little girl who transforms the forest into an enchanted scene with witch dolls.
Abriata hints at a sense of wonder and mystery regarding the dolls' apparent movement at night, suggesting they might come to life.
He values the beauty of nature, as evidenced by his numerous hikes and the detailed descriptions of the forest's autumn colors.
Abriata's enthusiasm for sharing his experiences is clear, as he encourages readers to engage with his work on Medium and explore his diverse interests through his stories.

Last fall and winter this piece of forest was bewitched. A little girl ensured it remained so.

Photo by author Luciano Abriata.

The forest was quiet, with its shades of yellow, orange, and red only interrupted by the evergreen conifers.

Colors of the late autumn. Photo by author Luciano Abriata.

I reached the river and went for its bridge.

A small jump in the Mebre river. Photo by author Luciano Abriata.

The Mebre river. Photo by author Luciano Abriata.

Here it is. It’s exactly the same you saw in summer here. I cross it for the thousandth time.

Wooden bridge over the Mebre river. Photo by author Luciano Abriata.

There they are, the witches of this enchanted piece of forest where two streams meet -the smaller jumping as a cascade into the bigger.

I caught this first witch flying. Photo by author Luciano Abriata.

Another witch. Photo by author Luciano Abriata.

Third witch, ready to take off. Photo by author Luciano Abriata.

What are they doing here? -you may ask.

Well, I saw her a couple of times. A little girl walking through the forest with her family, who stopped here to hung the dolls and set the scene. All of an artist, I would say!

One month later the witches were still there. Not sure if it was the little girl that had moved them, or whether they are alive at night… but they had shifted positions…

I am a nature, science, technology, programming, and DIY enthusiast. Biotechnologist and chemist, in the wet lab and in computers. I write about everything that lies within my broad sphere of interests. Check out my lists for more stories. Become a Medium member to access all stories by me and other writers, and subscribe to get my new stories by email (original affiliate links of the platform).