Autumn Light | S2:E6 - Seasons End

Last fall, I was in the throes of a rhuematoid arthritis (RA) flare-up, limiting me to walking only a painful steps from the van. I thought that was it. I thought that I'd never hike - much less backpack - again. The winter/spring became a search for mind and body wellness. By mid-spring, I had tuned into a treatment regimen that kept the RA in check. I could walk well again. But anxiety continued to rage! Panic attacks and depressive slumps continued. Through weekly - sometimes twice weekly - therapy and finding the correct medication, I found some semblance of a footing again.
I share all of this not because my struggles are unique but precisely because they are not. We all struggle. We all have are trials to overcome. It's never pretty. It's actually super messy. Sometimes it's two steps forwards and one back. Other times it feels like a complete regression. And it's never over. There is no arrival, there is only change. Now I'm writing in trite platitudes. Bah! I just want to wish you all grace and healing. These are two factors that I continue to focus on as one day turns to the next. Because ultimately a complete life is a string of moments that we survived, with inspired moments of thriving sprinkled in.
Thank you all for your support this fall! It has been such a delight to make these vlogs. I only intended on doing a couple of backpacking trips this fall, but was feeling so good in mind and body that the entire season became a backcountry one. A dream!
In this season's final episode, I head back to the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness to check out the first major snowfall of the fall. It was a true delight that resulted in a truly memorable night under the stars and an image that makes me smile.
I'll be taking a break from vlogging to focus on art shows for the next couple of months while letting the snow accumulate in the mountains. I'll be back at it in January, February and March with several winter trips.
Thanks again. I appreciate you. I wish you all grace and healing.

[@lesgarner7098]

Thanks for sharing your vlogs Brian, really enjoy each series and look forward to next year's.

[@brianchristiansonphotograp3557]

Thanks so much, Les. I really appreciate it!

[@terryroth2855]

Your videos are very well done and enjoyable Brian. Autumn was a great series with some great locations and photography. Looking forward to see what winter brings. Have a nice timeout.👍👍

[@brianchristiansonphotograp3557]

Thanks so much, Terry. Honestly, being out by that fire, under the stars, surrounded by snow, made me hungry for more of that. Here's hoping we get something of winter here with the predicted El Niño weather pattern. So far, we are getting an extended fall!

[@danacoughlin4288]

Another beautiful vlog. Thank you. Have a great holiday season.

[@brianchristiansonphotograp3557]

Thanks so much! Happy holidays to you too, Dana.

[@RJBeacon]

When I first tuned into your video, Brian, I have to say…. Having never been in the bitterroot’s, my initial reaction was; “Oh my gosh, Brian’s ventured to the “Bob” (Bob Marshall Wilderness of course!)”…. Was glad to see you were in an area which appears equally beautiful!…. Another great & very enjoyable video/season..thanks so much for sharing!

[@brianchristiansonphotograp3557]

Thanks is much! The Bitterroots are really amazing. I don't go there nearly enough. I always find myself going north for some reason (old patterns, I guess): Rattlesnake, Missions, Swan, Glacier, etc. The Bitterroots are AMAZING though! They offer relatively easy access to high country with their lofty trailheads. I also just love the granite up there. Such beautiful rock.

[@patrickshepherd3262]

Such a nice job of capturing the end of Autumn #1 and beginning of Winter #1. Fresh snow is so beautiful and, for me, difficult to capture accurately. Thanks for letting me tag along on your autumn adventures.

[@brianchristiansonphotograp3557]

Always a pleasure, Pat. Thanks for watching. Wishing you and Kathy a wonderful holiday season!

[@throughmylens3530]

Awesome series, I truly enjoy your vlogs and look forward to next year.

[@brianchristiansonphotograp3557]

Thanks a ton. I really appreciate it. Happy shooting!

[@davebutton1811]

Thank you too, Brian! I always look forward to your videos and very much enjoy the opportunity to be transported to such amazing landscapes

[@luisfigueroa3300]

It was so nice to see the snow during this camping session. I can’t wait for the next one. Nice pictures my friend.

[@brianchristiansonphotograp3557]

Thanks so watching, Luis. This trip got me so excited for winter photography and winter camping. Now, if only the snow would fall... it seems that El Niño is really happening.

[@kstigerlily]

I was sad thinking your Autumn Light was coming to an end, but am so happy to learn that winter will reveal what your wandering eye will capture for us as well. Looking forward to what you share in the New Year! Be well, Brian!

[@brianchristiansonphotograp3557]

I am so looking forward to winter photography: if it every comes. Haha. El Niño is real this year, it seems. Here's hoping for cold and snow!

[@lorihutchinson9485]

Great blog. Right in my backyard.

[@brianchristiansonphotograp3557]

Thanks!

[@francisagboton6631]

Nice vlog. Now, I have to watch something else until December.

[@brianchristiansonphotograp3557]

Thanks so much. Ha! You'll have no problem finding better content.