As the previous winners have said before - what a difficult task to choose a winner and a more difficult one to eliminate deserving entries. The photos that I have chosen are ones that emit a mood of rural charm and peacefulness - far away from hustling, bustling cities - and ones that I can explain what it is that is appealing to me.
And, the honourable mentions, in no particular order, are:
annelance - such a beautiful winter scene - everything that is wonderful about snowy winters. The figure (in red) and dog walking through the haze of white towards a warm house, are perfectly placed.
lambsfeathers - "extreme rural living" comes to mind when looking at this shot ! Wonderful space and dramatic sky - love it !
bartoszkotulski - I love this shot - like an entrance to a beautiful and mysterious place up on the misty mountain - lovely
jojie_alcantara - the richness of the forest and the reflections are so beautiful
3rd place - robinlew What a beautiful old home - the dog waiting for his owner to get going on the farm chores (guessing) gives the shot a perfect touch
2nd place - chasp - the B&W seems to compliment the serenity of this image. The mist and lone boatman add to the mystical feeling - wonderful
1st place - atucker This rural home is so appealing - the footpath (inspite of being a bit rickety), the pretty little cottage, the boat just waiting for a paddler and the misty atmosphere giving the shot a magical mood.
Congratulations atucker - and it's over to you.
Gill