Autumn in the Park

It's been awhile since I updated my blog, so when I went to write up a new post today, I couldn't decide whether to talk about how my garden is still growing in November, or to show you my annual autumn trip to Chestnut Ridge. Both are worthy subjects, so I'll start with a perfect day in the park, and sometime soon I'll show you my still lovely November garden. The weather has been quite strange this fall, so all of the colors are later than usual. Peak color happened at the end of October into early November, which worked out great for me since I was on vacation in mid October when it usually arrives. I thought I was going to miss the best parts of fall this year, but that has not been true at all.

Chestnut Ridge is a favorite spot of mine, and I really do like to visit it several times throughtout the year. But it's in autumn that it really shines. I never miss a visit this time of year.

Last year at this time, I posted from this same spot as I contemplated my upcoming knee replacement surgery. It was a frightening thing but had to be done, and I knew I was in for a trial. I was correct, of course. There was a lot of pain, illness and hard work, but the end result has been fantastic. It truly did give me my life back.

One of my goals at the park this year, besides taking pictures of the fall colors, was to once again hike up to the top of the ridge to see the city skyline off in the distance. I was a little disappointed that I couldn't see this view as much as I had in the past. Perhaps the trees grew too tall, or maybe it was just the haze and smog obscuring my view.  But the colorful trees against the blue skies made up for for that lack. And my sense of accomplishment was through the roof. I did it! A year ago, I could barely hobble around the parking lot at the park.

After my hike, I wandered down to the pond for more photos, of course. Usually the colorful trees are reflected in the water, and I was not disappointed. I often sit here for quite a long time, just watching the glory that is autumn in Ohio. This day was particularly quiet, even though the park was full of other visitors. It's almost like a cathedral for those of us who worship the outdoors.

I'm sure we all marvel at the colors of autumn, and the leaves that swirl about our feet. But I have a favorite type of tree this time of year, and at Chestnut Ridge, there are several of them. Sweetgum trees seem to show their fall finery in every color at once, so I gather an assortment of them for this photo each autumn. It was the ending of a perfect morning, but lunch was calling me home. I think I should go back again soon before the leaves all fall. Housework can wait, I'm sure you all agree.

Those Perfect Fall Days

There is nothing that distracts me more than a perfect fall day. The sun will be shining, the sky is clear blue,  the leaves are a kaleidoscope, and that's how it starts. Soon, all thoughts of housework are banished, and I'm off on a walk through the woods.

 Now I meant to do my work on this day. After all, there were clothes to put away, dishes to wash, mail to sort through, and errands to run. But I did none of it.

Instead, I grabbed my camera for a quick hike to the top of my mountain.

 Trust me, it is no mountain. Just a nearby hill I can see out my bedroom window. I call it my mountain when I see it there. It's called Chestnut Ridge, and it's the perfect place to spend an autumn afternoon.

 I'm not sure that my still-ailing knee approved of the adventure, but I was determined to go anyway. I'd go slow, I told myself. I'd only go to the overlook, then turn around, I said.

 But there were things to keep pulling me on. If I just go a little farther, I can see the pretty meadow, is what I said to myself.

Around the next curve is that far off view of the nearby hills.

 And on I went, of course. Maybe over here I'll see those charming white squirrels.

 Soon I had whiled away several hours on my gentle hike through the woods. I wasn't tired, and my knee wasn't sore, but my heart was full. You know you are in a lovely place when you often sigh in contentment.

Those perfect fall days will do it to me every time.