We may have been cheated on the most of the trees’ autumn foliage, but the burning bushes didn’t get the same message to tone it down this year. I’ve taken photos here before of them, but this year they just seemed to be everywhere, and spectacularly so! All the following photos were taken on Thursday of this week.

These trees all seem to be wearing bright pink tutus.

 

 

A few of the maples didn’t get the message about toning it down either.

Underneath the big red maple that stands so majestically by the road.

And this one by the old falling-down house.

 

The Ironworks park is not only a very beautiful place, but interesting as well because of the old houses and outbuildings they rescued from the destruction of the old community that used to be here when the ironworks were still in operation. The whole area has a strange feel to it, as if there are still people living there. It can be eerie. They still use them as a backdrop for their re-enactments of the Civil War that they put on every year. (Follow the link for photos of the re-enactments that I took in 2008.)

Some of the outbuildings are in a sad state of repair, like this old shed. I liked it though. I tried several different angles to capture its air of neglect.

Looking out its only window.

And this old chair left sitting forlornly on the front porch of the big white house.

The shadows are deep and strong this time of year because of the angle of the sun. Here, a tree imprints itself on this old house.

More shadows.

This is my favorite of all the houses. I love the location where it sits and the big old sycamore tree that frames it. I love the stonework!

The old outdoor fireplace on the house grounds. As you can see, plenty of autumn color here!

The house’s location is enhanced even more by a small branch of the Wanaque River that now flows freely past it and down in to Monksville Reservoir instead of being harnessed to power the ironworks. A serene and beautiful spot in which to imagine living, don’t you agree?

And, so concludes our little walk to Long Pond. I’ll leave you in a ‘reflective’ mood with reflections in the reservoir.

Note: A little snippet of local history! The name “Long Pond” does not refer at all to Monksville Reservoir which was constructed back in the 1970’s, but to Greenwood Lake, a little further away. Long Pond came from the word the native americans used to refer to what is now called Greenwood Lake.