Even in the buff-colored, high desert of Nevada, neighborhood trees and shrubs are sporting their autumn finery.
During most mornings these past weeks, Shawn and I have pounded the pavement for three-mile walks up into the surrounding hills. Aiming to achieve a cardio workout, I’ve typically refrained from bringing my trusty camera along (an accessory for which I’m often teased; some joke that it’s an extension of my body). With the oak and maple leaves, trailing ivy and rabbitbrush reaching their peak fall hues in the past days, however, I could not resist the temptation to indulge my shutterbug passion any longer.
Enter what my husband playfully calls ‘irregular walking,’ (walk, stop, snap, repeat) and these images that celebrate this glorious autumn.
Some of my favorite ways to usher in autumn’s arrival are home-cooked pumpkin soup, warm woolen scarves I’ve picked up on my travels, and picking out the perfect pumpkin to carve and enjoy. What are yours?
Tricia A. Mitchell is a freelance writer and photographer. Born in Europe but raised in the United States, she has lived in Valletta, Malta; Heidelberg, Germany; and Split, Croatia. An avid globetrotter who has visited more than 65 countries, she has a penchant for off-season travel. Tricia has learned that travel’s greatest gift is not sightseeing, rather it is the interactions with people. Some of her most memorable experiences have been sharing a bottle of champagne with distant French cousins in Lorraine, learning how to milk goats in a sleepy Bulgarian village, and ringing in the Vietnamese New Year with a Hanoi family. She welcomes any opportunity to practice French and German, and she loves delving into a place’s history and artisanal food scene.
A former education administrator and training specialist, Tricia has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in international relations. She and her husband, Shawn, married in the ruins of a snowy German castle. They’ve been known to escape winter by basing themselves in coastal Croatia or Southeast Asia.
Her writing has appeared in Fodor’s Travel, Frommer’s, and International Living.
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It can be challenging to get a descent cardio workout with a camera – but your photos are well worth the stop, shoot and continue approach. Love your work.
Thanks, Anita. I’ll have to let my husband know I have dear readers who appreciate the photos too, making the irregular walking worthwhile. :) Just kidding – he has great patience indulging my shutterbug ways and loves that the photos act as a journal of sorts from our travels.
Have you returned home from the Camino yet? How many miles/km did you walk in all?
Looks like we dodged the tsunami. Hoping the East Coast comes through the hurricane as easily.
Gunta, I’m catching your message a bit late, but I’m happy that the East Coast is recovering and that the storm is not as bad as it could have been. Growing up in the Midwest, it’s easy to underestimate Mother Nature’s power – particularly in the coastal areas!
So glorious but so short lived most years, Tricia. Before we know it the Winter woollies are out. Beautiful captures to remind you.
Very true, Jo! I grew up in the Midwestern US, where autumns are often short. That’s why it’s been such a joy experiencing more of an ‘Indian Summer’ this year, in the high desert of Nevada. In what part of the world are you now?
At home in the UK, where I am for most of the year, Tricia. Wet outside tonight so I’m left with a bowl full of sweets for the trick or treaters who didn’t show.
I’m sorry to hear it was a gloomy Halloween on your side of the Atlantic, Jo. Here it’s a bit grey, chilly and windy too. Nevertheless, I’m looking forward to seeing the Halloween festivities in the US tonight – my first time in 11 years. :)
I’m not sure why I thought you lived in Portugal or Spain part of the year?
The Algarve whenever we can. I have a home there, but “real life” is here. Happy Halloween, Tricia.
Thank you for the Halloween wishes, Jo!
In what part of the UK do you call home? (A branch of my family came from Yorkshire, to the US, in the 1800s.)
Sorry, I went offline earlyish last night. I’m on the north-east coast in Hartlepool. It’s just north of the Yorkshire border and much of my walking,etc is done there. If you have time to look in my Home page there are some Yorkshire related posts. Small world, isn’t it?
Okay, so it’s not much for exercise, but I sure appreciate you hauling the camera around. The photo of the pampas grass (I’m taking your word for it) is stunning, Tricia, even among so many beautiful images.
Sid, I was pleased that my in-laws know so many of the names of the unique flora here in the high desert. I was taking their word for it as well with that name, but it seemed to match my internet research. :)
Thanks as always, Sid, for your kind comments and support!
I love the fall colors, but it is a signal for what is to come…winter…not my favorite time of the year.I don’t blame you for taking the camera. You can say you exercised your arms.
Ah, I know what you mean about fall’s return. A year ago, we were preparing for our Southeast Asian trip which allowed us to escape winter. Even though we’re going to a beautiful place (Germany) next week, I am not looking forward to the chilly temps and grey skies. I forgot in which state you and Ron call home?
Malin, what a really wonderful honor- I’m flattered! Thank you so much, Malna, for recognizing my work. It’s been such a pleasure to connect with you. :)
lovely images here Tricia! Fall is just such a beauty to photograph. My husband has the same issue with my irregular walking ;) Glad I am not alone in this!
Trish, the vivid fall colors and your photos are amazing! In the northeast, the colors were just beginning to change right when I left for South America. At one point I used to be teased by my friends as well about the camera and those “irregular” walkings or jogs that I tend to do at times. It’s more fun that way, I must say :) I just got the iPhone5 and its high-quality camera is my new obsession!
Antoinette, I’m probably the only American without an iPhone, but I have heard that it takes quite wonderful images. My mother-in-law just got one, and I’ve been impressed what she and my father-in-law have snapped. Perhaps at some point, I’ll have to trade in my bulky camera for something a bit more lightweight. :)
Thanks for your kind comment… and, for how long will be in South America?
You know, I had lost track of your whereabouts and assumed you were back from the USA but I gather you’re in Nevada? I am very glad you took your camera along for these spectacular shots. I like the term “irregular walking” and may introduce it here as it is rather nicer than some of the epithets applied by my walking companions! ;)
Rachael, Nevada has been our home-base this summer, though we did take a ‘business’ trip to San Francisco, and recreational ones to the Pacific Northwest and Napa. Those trips, in addition to our cross-continent drive to move my former car from coast-to-coast earlier this summer. I’m dreadfully behind in sharing our travel tales. :) We fly back to Europe next week.
It seems that the term, ‘irregular walking’ is resonating with a great number of the female readers. Perhaps we – and our significant others – could form support groups? :)
I grew up and previously lived near the Adirondacks and Letchworth State Park in New York State. I live and work in Clearwater, Florida now. Miss the northeast!
The colour scheme I love…Your photographs are calling my name and I want to go where you took them. Thank you Trish :-)
Anyes, I suppose “l’herbe est toujours plus verte…” :) but I have heard Vancouver is so beautiful! We had hoped to explore your neck of the woods during our recent Pacific Northwest adventures, alas, we ran out of time.
You’re right, though – the high desert’s sunshine makes for beautiful lighting for photography. Soon, we’re headed for Germany, which is of course quite grey this time of year. So, I’m trying to soak up as much sunshine as I can now. :)
Enjoy the rays while you can. You are right Germany can be quite grey, I lived there for a year back in the mid-80’s. I am looking forward to your photographs, Tricia :-)
Amazingly, the lovely leaves are still holding on. Growing up in the Midwestern U.S. and Germany, I’m not accustomed to such a long summer-like autumn. :)
I know everyone goes on about Summer being the best season for obvious reasons but Autumn is my favourite by far. I love the colours on the trees and the smell in the air as things start to get colder and the crisp blue skies. Beautiful chance for photos as you have proved with yours.
What a deliciously colourful celebration of this most photogenic of seasons. I am sorry I lost touch for a while. For some reason I stopped getting emails for your blog. I have changed my settings now.
Greetings Rachael, so glad to hear you’re back on board! I must confess that we’ve been tied up unpacking boxes these past weeks. I’m looking forward to catching up on your lovely photographs shortly. Is the UK being inundated with snow too? It’s quite the winter wonderland here in the Alps!
Travels With Tricia 
Awesome set, how’s the workout going?
It’s going well, Mark — a mix of yoga & walks. With your line of work do you get much of a chance to work out?
Yes, most rigs have good gym’s onboard, it’s weather I get to use them though.
Beautiful!
I was just now enjoying your autumn image; hope you’re enjoying this lovely season in your part of the world too. :)
It can be challenging to get a descent cardio workout with a camera – but your photos are well worth the stop, shoot and continue approach. Love your work.
Thanks, Anita. I’ll have to let my husband know I have dear readers who appreciate the photos too, making the irregular walking worthwhile. :) Just kidding – he has great patience indulging my shutterbug ways and loves that the photos act as a journal of sorts from our travels.
Have you returned home from the Camino yet? How many miles/km did you walk in all?
That’s my rhythm… walk, stop, snap, repeat. I love that! Just look at what you have to show for it!
With Mother Nature’s help, of course. :)
Hope you’re having a lovely weekend, Gunta!
Looks like we dodged the tsunami. Hoping the East Coast comes through the hurricane as easily.
Gunta, I’m catching your message a bit late, but I’m happy that the East Coast is recovering and that the storm is not as bad as it could have been. Growing up in the Midwest, it’s easy to underestimate Mother Nature’s power – particularly in the coastal areas!
So glorious but so short lived most years, Tricia. Before we know it the Winter woollies are out. Beautiful captures to remind you.
Very true, Jo! I grew up in the Midwestern US, where autumns are often short. That’s why it’s been such a joy experiencing more of an ‘Indian Summer’ this year, in the high desert of Nevada. In what part of the world are you now?
At home in the UK, where I am for most of the year, Tricia. Wet outside tonight so I’m left with a bowl full of sweets for the trick or treaters who didn’t show.
I’m sorry to hear it was a gloomy Halloween on your side of the Atlantic, Jo. Here it’s a bit grey, chilly and windy too. Nevertheless, I’m looking forward to seeing the Halloween festivities in the US tonight – my first time in 11 years. :)
I’m not sure why I thought you lived in Portugal or Spain part of the year?
The Algarve whenever we can. I have a home there, but “real life” is here. Happy Halloween, Tricia.
Thank you for the Halloween wishes, Jo!
In what part of the UK do you call home? (A branch of my family came from Yorkshire, to the US, in the 1800s.)
Sorry, I went offline earlyish last night. I’m on the north-east coast in Hartlepool. It’s just north of the Yorkshire border and much of my walking,etc is done there. If you have time to look in my Home page there are some Yorkshire related posts. Small world, isn’t it?
Okay, so it’s not much for exercise, but I sure appreciate you hauling the camera around. The photo of the pampas grass (I’m taking your word for it) is stunning, Tricia, even among so many beautiful images.
Sid, I was pleased that my in-laws know so many of the names of the unique flora here in the high desert. I was taking their word for it as well with that name, but it seemed to match my internet research. :)
Thanks as always, Sid, for your kind comments and support!
I love the fall colors, but it is a signal for what is to come…winter…not my favorite time of the year.I don’t blame you for taking the camera. You can say you exercised your arms.
I like that, Lynne. :)
Ah, I know what you mean about fall’s return. A year ago, we were preparing for our Southeast Asian trip which allowed us to escape winter. Even though we’re going to a beautiful place (Germany) next week, I am not looking forward to the chilly temps and grey skies. I forgot in which state you and Ron call home?
Wonderful post.
Thank you very much, Hitesh.
hi Tricia! I have nominated you to the beautiful blogger award, I hope you will accept the nomination :-) Your blog is really beautiful! I love your autumnphotos!! Take care / malin Take a look here: http://frankfurtmalin.wordpress.com/2012/10/26/beautiful-blogger-award/
Malin, what a really wonderful honor- I’m flattered! Thank you so much, Malna, for recognizing my work. It’s been such a pleasure to connect with you. :)
you are so welcome!! It’s well deserved :-)
Great set beautifully presented – lovely!! :)
What a great compliment – many thanks to you, Peter!
lovely images here Tricia! Fall is just such a beauty to photograph. My husband has the same issue with my irregular walking ;) Glad I am not alone in this!
Marina, I was just joking to Rachael on this same post that all parties involved should unite and form some support groups. :)
How fun for you that you get to enjoy the changing colors during your cross-country adventure!
Trish, the vivid fall colors and your photos are amazing! In the northeast, the colors were just beginning to change right when I left for South America. At one point I used to be teased by my friends as well about the camera and those “irregular” walkings or jogs that I tend to do at times. It’s more fun that way, I must say :) I just got the iPhone5 and its high-quality camera is my new obsession!
Antoinette, I’m probably the only American without an iPhone, but I have heard that it takes quite wonderful images. My mother-in-law just got one, and I’ve been impressed what she and my father-in-law have snapped. Perhaps at some point, I’ll have to trade in my bulky camera for something a bit more lightweight. :)
Thanks for your kind comment… and, for how long will be in South America?
You know, I had lost track of your whereabouts and assumed you were back from the USA but I gather you’re in Nevada? I am very glad you took your camera along for these spectacular shots. I like the term “irregular walking” and may introduce it here as it is rather nicer than some of the epithets applied by my walking companions! ;)
Rachael, Nevada has been our home-base this summer, though we did take a ‘business’ trip to San Francisco, and recreational ones to the Pacific Northwest and Napa. Those trips, in addition to our cross-continent drive to move my former car from coast-to-coast earlier this summer. I’m dreadfully behind in sharing our travel tales. :) We fly back to Europe next week.
It seems that the term, ‘irregular walking’ is resonating with a great number of the female readers. Perhaps we – and our significant others – could form support groups? :)
Just gorgeous – thank you :)
Suzanne, thank you! You’re such a globetrotter- in what part of the world are you enjoying autumn?
I’m working in Tenerife for 10 days and right now they’ve having the first rain in over a year – it’s been pouring!
Absolutely gorgeous!
And the beautiful leaves are still very much intact here in Nevada! I forgot which corner of the U.S. you call home, Judy?
I grew up and previously lived near the Adirondacks and Letchworth State Park in New York State. I live and work in Clearwater, Florida now. Miss the northeast!
The colour scheme I love…Your photographs are calling my name and I want to go where you took them. Thank you Trish :-)
Anyes, I suppose “l’herbe est toujours plus verte…” :) but I have heard Vancouver is so beautiful! We had hoped to explore your neck of the woods during our recent Pacific Northwest adventures, alas, we ran out of time.
You’re right, though – the high desert’s sunshine makes for beautiful lighting for photography. Soon, we’re headed for Germany, which is of course quite grey this time of year. So, I’m trying to soak up as much sunshine as I can now. :)
Enjoy the rays while you can. You are right Germany can be quite grey, I lived there for a year back in the mid-80’s. I am looking forward to your photographs, Tricia :-)
Gorgeous photos and colours Tricia!
Amazingly, the lovely leaves are still holding on. Growing up in the Midwestern U.S. and Germany, I’m not accustomed to such a long summer-like autumn. :)
I know everyone goes on about Summer being the best season for obvious reasons but Autumn is my favourite by far. I love the colours on the trees and the smell in the air as things start to get colder and the crisp blue skies. Beautiful chance for photos as you have proved with yours.
Many thanks, Remy! Here’s hoping you’re finding just as much beauty in winter as you did during autumn.
What a deliciously colourful celebration of this most photogenic of seasons. I am sorry I lost touch for a while. For some reason I stopped getting emails for your blog. I have changed my settings now.
Greetings Rachael, so glad to hear you’re back on board! I must confess that we’ve been tied up unpacking boxes these past weeks. I’m looking forward to catching up on your lovely photographs shortly. Is the UK being inundated with snow too? It’s quite the winter wonderland here in the Alps!