At some point a decade or so ago, I went through this phase where I would pick up a sturdy stick at the start of a hike and carry it with me until I was done walking. Then, I would find a place to leave the stick for someone else to find and use, or to just become part of the landscape again. Here in the Southeast, it's just too damn easy to get poison ivy, something I wouldn't wish on anyone, so I've gotten out of the habit. But there sure are times I'd like a stick handy, to fend off a snake or to steady a camera. So, when I came upon this scene, I saw evidence of a kindred spirit, and that cheered me up.
Here's to good light and artistic success this weekend.
