Autumn in our valley

My darling man had the opportunity to have someone else's cancelled appt. for his first cataract operation yesterday.  A surprise when we got the phone call on Thursday as he'd only been measured for the lenses two days before.  We had been booked in at a local vintage fair, but fortunately were able to drop out as there was a waiting list and our payment carried over till the next fair in December.

So, first thing we were at the Hospital, and I waved goodbye and drove off to meet up with our friend Mike who was at the showground with a friend and her lovely loopy Italian greyhound pup Lily (that's her above, Lily that is).  She is gorgeous.  There was a dog show there so I took a couple of photos.

On our return, I took myself off for a walk along the valley for an hour.  As you can see we are well into autumn mode now.  There was still quite a bit of wood caught up here and there, and the stumps below the bridge waiting for the next good flow of water, which came through last night and has probably moved the lighter pieces.  A couple of rocks in the middle of the river had captured branches - one had four lined up on it!  I should have taken a photo.

The water levels have shot up several feet overnight and this is now a torrent of coffee-brown water hurtling downstream.

My favourite views, up and downstream, from the rocky bit near the gates to Upton Hall.

A constant trail of leaves wend their way downstream.

Above and below: Autumn foliage at the point where I turned round.

Finally, the larches turn first lemon yellow, and then the colour of Lucozade before dropping their needles.  Back in the morning.