My commute

I’ve been commuting through the countryside to get to work everyday for the past 7 years and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT. While everyone else is going the other direction to our state’s capitol in bumper to bumper traffic, I am leisurely coasting on an empty road enjoying the scenery of the close-enough-to-touch mountain, roaming elk, a glistening reservoir, miles of fruit orchards and countless fruit stands.

Right now, it’s Fall and that means pumpkins- lots and lots of pumpkins and I LOVE pumpkins! Once the pumpkins are gone, the stands close for the winter season. My boss actually lives right on the highway at one of the most gorgeous viewing points of the reservoir where she has a farm and raspberry harvest.

On my commute, it’s not out of the ordinary to be driving next to a giant tracker or to see a 4-wheeler zip across the road. Each day I pass by the Amish store, the side-of-the road jerky stand, the taxidermy, the wild game processor and the tiny bar called “The Shack.” I count the 1, 2, 3 , sometimes 7, 8, 9 deer lying on the shoulder.

Years ago on an early morning commute, a sudden pounding forcefully slammed on my passenger window out of nowhere . It scared the living crap out of me. I realized it was a flock of birds when they quickly flew straight up past the front of my car. It was one of the oddest things I’d ever encountered. I was glad I didn’t have the window open or I would have got nailed.

I can’t decide if I like the drive to work or home more. I suppose it depends on the time of year. Nothing compares to the evening sunsets, but sometimes the sky and lighting in the morning is just perfect at sunrise. In the last year or two, a large elk farm has been established and passing by the herds of these gorgeous animals early in the morning is simply breathtaking – especially with the stunning mountains as their backdrop.

I can’t count how many times I’ve pulled over to take photos over the past few years. I don’t think I’ve ever taken the beautiful scenery for granted. Once again, I feel so very lucky to live in one of the most beautiful places on earth.