Driving down a quiet road, autumn’s colors glowing around me, I glimpsed a river through the trees and decided to explore. I found a narrow trail winding along the water’s edge, inviting me to follow.

The further I walked, the more the forest seemed to pull me in, whispering promises of hidden beauty.

The sound of rushing water guided me to a shaded alcove where a waterfall stretched across the river, its beauty was the perfect composition, capturing it wouldn’t be easy.

Carefully, I balanced on a larger rock near the shore, adjusting my camera while keeping my feet dry—at least for the moment.

Pleased with my work, I turned to step off the rocks—only to feel my foot slip. A sudden splash, icy water seeping into my boot.

I sighed, knowing I had a long, squishy walk back. But as I hiked, wet foot and all, I smiled, knowing the moment had been worth it.