This forested area was part of a farm in the early 1900's, and the cattle roamed the forest, with lakes on three sides, and a mile long fence through the woods at this side. and, "No" I didn't put that leaf there.
Looks like that fence support has been there a mighty long time and the tree grew around it like it was sealing off a wound. Lots of land like that around here too, but mostly the fences were made from good old NE stones left here by the glaciers. Lovely Autumm awareness in the dof and the leaf looks perfect there and completes the balance in the shot.
I've seen trees that have grown around wire fencing but can't recall one like this. A good capture showing the power of nature, Doug. Lovely colours and textures in the photo.
As a photo great great work, superb in focus and sharp. The colours are for me a bit to much, think your background is a bit chaotic and becomes to much one with your subject. But that is personal. But I certainly do enjoy this work Doug! Mich
Rust is one of my favorite subjects. ReDynaMix works great on both rust and old wood. Killer shot. And you've given me an idea for a shot. On one of my walks, there's an old wood fence that was built 100 years ago out of railroad ties. Somehow the oak tree grew around a railroad tie.
I saw this in the VB and gave it an 8. I think you might have pulled a Roger and gone a tad heavy on the color. I'd say one click of neg. saturation and you should have raked up the leaves on the right.