September 6, 2026

Back to the pine forest behind the town

The alarm went off before dawn, and by six I was already at the pine forest behind the town. By noon the crowds arrived, so I walked further along the path, where stone walls were still undisturbed.

Shooting with a 28mm lens meant I had to get closer than I am used to, which was uncomfortable at first. I tried a few long exposures, but the wind had other ideas. The handheld shots turned out better anyway.

The café near the pine forest behind the town still serves the same cinnamon buns; I had two and pretended it was research. Most of the morning went into watching stone walls; I took fewer frames than usual, but each one felt deliberate.

Walking back, I found a side street I had never noticed before, lined with tiny workshops. An elderly couple asked me to take their picture. I used their phone, then made one frame of them on mine.

If you go, bring warm socks and a thermos — the café closes early.