Autumn woodland

The patch of woodland between the road and Loch Striven catches the afternoon sun so that the leaves look almost spring-like in their delicate green, though the bracken is turning and wide swathes of it are already brown. 

A glorious afternoon rather marred by the traffic on the road: We drove through (not over) hosts of anxious pheasants scurrying along in front of the car as though they'd forgotten they can fly; by the time we were walking we were pushed off the road about six times by massive cars (one occupant per Range Rover). The reason for all this became apparent when two pickup trucks passed, one with the frame dangling pairs of dead partridge in the back; the other with the kennel. Finally we spoke to one of the beaters - a woman I've known for years - who was returning home with her exhausted dogs sleeping in the back of her car. 

All very rural, and plainly a boost to the local economy, but not my idea of an enjoyable afternoon. I'll stick to photography ...