PJ, I forgot to mention... I'm kind of on the fence on the format still. It changes depending on my mood. I would like to read what others think of this too.
Thanks for the comment, I really appreciate it. I played with various versions and formats, including a version like the one you posted. However, I wanted to show more of the trees and the surrounding atmosphere. Yes, it might detract a bit from "the path", but I think that for me, the picture as a whole may be more harmonious in the square format.
Or maybe I've just been on a square format kick lately :).