The Singing Birch

Want to buy this photograph? Click here

(Please consider that English is not my mother tongue. Comments with approvement suggestions will be appreciated.)

Two years ago I bought a motorhome. That's one of the smartest things I've ever done. (That probably tells you that I´m not very smart.) I didn't  buy a new, big and flashy one, but a cute little camper van, with some miles on it, that is just big enough to accommodate me, camera equipment and a fishing rod or two. It has everything I need; a comfortable bed, light, hot and cold water, shower and toilet, hob, fridge and efficient heating. All gas powered. But that's not the most important thing. Most importantly is that in this little man cave, or rolling hunting lodge, I get a feeling of happiness and freedom, which brings me far out of the concerns and everyday hustle and bustle and into a world of imagination that is ONLY MINE. It is when I am in this state of mind that I see nature and the surroundings as if I am in a fairytale. It is when I give nature time to come to me so she calmly can tell me HER story that I take my best pictures. 
When I enter and start up my motorhome I feel a wonderful ripple in my body. It´s gonna be an adventure. Even if it's just for a few hours, or a couple of days, it's still a journey. I rarely make any plans for the tour. I have an idea of ​​which direction I will go, but that's all. I might glance at Google Maps to get some ideas for where to go, and then let the gut feeling decide. Here in Rogaland there are so many places to go. A huge variety of landscapes, and everything is only an hour or maybe two away. It's Norway's largest candy store.
I'm always equipped to stay a night or two in the camper. Have everything I need regarding food and beverages. A week ago I went to an area I hadn't been before; Lyngsheia, which is located at the mountain crossing between Hjelmeland and Lysefjorden. It's totally beautiful. The mountain horizon frames numerous lakes and ponds and the trout jumped and bounced everywhere. Autumn had already begun to paint from its warm palette. And the silence was only occasionally broken by a few sheep bells in the distance and a raven calling for its life partner.
And all this just a 45 minute scenic drive from the oil city of Stavanger.
I grabbed the fishing rod and hung the camera over my shoulder. I had to go out. In waders. I aimed for a lake that is surrounded by marsh and small streams and rapids. It's also good to wear waders that reach all the way to my chest when I crawl around looking for the best angle and position for photography.
Arriving the lake, Sandvann, I get fascinated by a tree, a fine mountain birch with two trunks that stretch in different directions. The biggest and most powerful trunk leans over the water, and the other kind of tries to hold back - as if to make sure that they both do not fall into the water. Or is it perhaps that they have grown apart - like an old couple who are tired of eachother but unable to apart? Or maybe they are like a strong and vigorous duo that stands firmly on a common platform and individually contributes with genuine energy and inspiration? Right in front of the tree grow some cheerful grass tufts that strut proudly in all the autumn colors – like a cheering crowd in party clothes.
I lie down on all fours in the swamp and crawl around to find an angle that allows you to see both the enthusiastic audience and the duo stretching towards the sky and singing a beautiful serenade against the evening sky.
There are no limits to what you can see and experience in nature if you just listen and let your imagination free.