The Dead Zone

As we have made the turn from March in to April, I think it is safe to say that the worst of Winter is probably behind us.  True, there is usually one last snow storm that takes people by surprise by mid-April, but that snow rarely stays for more than a week.  However, before we get to the blooming flowers, green grass and trees full of leaves, we need to get through that little dead zone on the calendar.  It's the time of the year where most, if not all, of the snow has melted away leaving behind a muddy mess of earth and fallen leaves from the year before.  It's not the prettiest of things to look at, but it can still make for some nice photographs.  While out for walks with My Lovely Assistant and the Next Generation, I always make sure to have my camera with me as looking around at things helps keep my eyes sharp.  It also allows me an excuse to hang back a little bit during those walks as I tend to be a little bit slower than they are.  As I tell the Next Generation, Dad only has one speed, and it isn't fast.  While on one of those walks, we went through a large park as the sun was just starting to lower in the sky.  As we got to some large trees, I thought it was just the right location for one of those 'dead zone' photographs.  It was taken at f/16, 1/50secm ISO 100 at 24mm.  Mother Nature will soon be getting to work and things will be much more colourful in the weeks to come.  Maybe we'll head back this Summer to have a look.  Then again, it will be rather hot by then, won't it.  Maybe we'll wait and go back in the Fall as the leaves begin to fall again instead.  Sounds like a much more comfortable plan.