“Does the walker choose the path, or the path the walker?” ― Garth Nix
A "PATH," or "TRAIL" is an embodiment of what graphic artists such as painters and photographers refer to as, and, often exploit in their art … " Leading lines" which, refers to a composition technique whereby the viewer's eye is attracted to lines that lead directly to the principle subject in the image.
I am addicted to … compelled by leading lines that are the inseparable phenomena of paths/trails … in my particular case … that go into a forest. Depending on where exactly a given forest exists, it "chooses" me and I most always (with some exceptions) am a willing selection.
Following, are images of some of the path/trails that chose me …
© A. Mac/A.G.
© A. Mac/A.G.
© A. Mac/A.G.
© A. Mac/A.G.
These trails are in "civilized" locations … and straying to the sides of any of them, offers no particular dangers other than tripping, inadvertently brushing up against poison ivy, or, getting clotheslined by a tree limb. Enjoy these … before I subsequently show some of the potential dangers of straying from other trials.
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'Course, there are other ways of looking at it …
"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail."
_ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Absolutely. Emerson was right. A walker creates the (their) path. IMHO.
Nice.
Following the right path could lead to Nirvana. I always have enjoyed seeing path photos such as yours, and have posted many of them myself. You have given me the idea to create a photo-essay on the topic of leading lines and pathways, because I, too, have many examples of them.
Looking forward to going down that path, Buzz.
It's posted now, on Creative Arts group.
I've somehow always been artistically drawn to the path of greatest resistance.
I have to wonder if I've not wandered down a few on your dis-play list.
Last year, I found out just how much danger can lurk but steps away from even a well traversed path, but I'll await your list, before sharing.
Always enjoy the calm found on your picture seeds.(plus always wonder if I've actually been there)
Encountered upon wandering from the path and living on the edge …
I was photographing this guy … when he spotted me and went into the thicket on the left.
Red Fox with Partly Devoured Rat
© A. Mac/A.G.
So, I followed him into the thicket and after about a minute or so … encountered this guy …
Black Bear
© A. Mac/A.G.
Fortunately, I had the presence of mind to press the shutter release on my camera and get this shot, and, when we made eye contact, I got myself back on the trail.
I don't regret the experience for a second.
While taking a shortcut though the woods to a fishin' hole, I met this guy …
Who announced his presence with …
… this … which "rattled" me … but … getting the photo is a priority (Timber Rattlesnake)
© A. Mac/A.G.
And then … at Yellowstone … story and pic for another day.
Was what my friend and I encountered on the side of a well traveled trail , not all that far from the PA Grand Canyon.
He had inquired if I wanted to go with him to his families residence in up state Central PA Rattle Snake 'Hunting'. And Hey, why the Hell not. We were on a trail, much like that of your second photo. We were on the trail for less than an hour, and came across 5 in 5 minutes.
He was pulling them out, as I attempted to herd them. Most interesting. Like herding cats.
None were large enough to keep, so all were released.
Then next day we returned, and within 20 minutes, we had captured a large male. We are lobbying to get his tanned skin on the wall of our local watering hole, to no avail as of yet.
I was totally amazed how many of these snakes were just feet away, along side a walking/biking trail with many people, including children, using said trail.
I've run across many snakes before, but never in such a frequented area ( With the exception of Tohicon Park and creek)
Impressive Wildlife shots A.
Some of your encounters appear to be a little more dangerous than poison ivy. I guess not straying off the path would be the better choice, notwithstanding the limitation on photo opportunities. I would prefer to rely on my 720mm zoom for wildlife shots, like Mangelsen did.
I've come across many rattlesnakes, usually sunning themselves, stretched across the trail, you stop, wait for a minute and they slither off. It's when you come across ones coiled up like in your photo that you better calmly get as far away as you can.
I was surprised that they were not very aggressive. Of course that changed when I was grabbing at four separate ones, attempting to contain them until we could measure and document the rings on the rattle and the snake's length.
They really weren't overly aggressive, until actually handled.
Definitely pretty cool, but not recommended for everyone.
Lol, this must be why 91% of rattlesnake bite victims are men.
It goes back to the Garden of Eden.
Fully addicted long distance backpacker, the trail has always chosen me I am a mere follower.
the Red Road leads to balance and harmony...
Beautiful photos Mac.
Thanks, Kavika,
I once read about a Yaqui account of finding "A Path with a Heart" -- I believe I know several such paths.
I Luv the "Path" LESS Traveled. So, I'd have to say....."I" choose the "Path" !
In fact....."I" make paths to conquer !