Yes, Delta Ponds again

Went for a short walk around noon.  Already HOT out there. The ponds and shady spots along the path made it seem cooler, though.

This big heron was waaaay across the water from the bridge I was on. Full [30x] zoom in use here, hand held so not as clear as I'd like it, but these guys seem to delight in making life rough for photogs. Years back I could walk the whole length of the trail and find some much closer, some very close. Don't see many of them anymore, though they are certainly still around. Maybe just not when I'm there.

Wherever you are, hope you're staying cool and safe.

A New/Old Trail

Yesterday we returned to Blanton Ridge, a trail we hiked several months ago. I didn't like it at all, and didn't particularly want to return, but I knew my hiking buddy wanted to try it again, so I suggested it for this week's hike. Surprisingly, it was actually a rather nice hike.

This is an in-and-out hike with a 'big hill' in the middle of it, meaning you have to climb the darned thing twice. Plus it's narrow, tends to be a bit crowded, whine whine. Funny thing is, this time the 'big hill' wasn't so bad after all. We've hiked a lot of miles, a lot of hills, and one really big hill 3 times in the interim months, so we're just in that much better condition. I like the sounds of that.

As usual, we got an early start and the early morning light played fancifully all around us. Didn't make for spectacular photography, unfortunately, but was lovely to walk through. I expect we'll return here another day, though not just yet. 

I've said this often, but we are really lucky to have so many fine hiking trails in this city, and county.

Windowsill beauty

A neighbor who recently moved out of state gave me her African Violets. I wondered if I could keep them as healthy and bloomy as she did, but after a couple of months with me they seem happy. And they certainly add a lot of bright beauty to my windowsill.

Wildflower season

Took a walk down to the ponds yesterday. Just a leisurely stroll, not thinking about footsteps, what (if any) cardio range I was in, or how long I was walking. Felt so good, to be just out for pleasure. Stopping often to check out the scenery, take some photos, etc. And when I started to feel tired, I turned around and walked back home. This may not sound like such a big deal, but it's a rare thing for me these days. I'm usually out for the exercise, and listening closely to my Fitbit to try to stay in fat-burning mode. 

Actually, I'm taking a break from the entire exercise thing this week. I've been waking up drained of energy for a few days, and some other symptoms and a little research tell me that I've been over-training, and that I need to let the body heal. It sure hasn't been interested in exercise, that's for sure! I'm still not a bundle of energy, but feeling okay. Hiking tomorrow as usual, though a less strenuous hill than the one at Mt. Pisgah that we've been doing for the last 3 weeks.

The ponds were quiet -- birds have more sense than humans when it comes to being out in the heat of the day, I guess. But it's always a pretty trail and a pleasant walk. Here's a few photos to liven things up.

This was certainly unexpected! But, I've seen a crew sometimes in the early mornings getting ready to go out in a canoe. I expect they are pulling up some unwanted plant growth out there, though I don't know which one. I've read about it in the past, but my mind is like a sieve these days. They were probably on a lunch break at this point.

Even the lowliest of wildflowers can be pretty, with a close look. I didn't notice the insect in the middle until it was enlarged. I wish photos uploaded onto Blogger kept more clarity. This one is actually quite focused and detailed, but much of that got lost in translation.

I believe these are wild sweet peas. Whatever they are, it's certainly their season. Lots of them out there, and they really brighten up the place.

So that was my walk. Today, gonna take the  bus downtown to the Farmer's Market and see what fresh goodness I can bring home.

Happy Fourth of July !

Since I don't have much to say these days without saying it in photos, here are some from yesterday afternoon and this morning.

Yesterday afternoon, along the River trail.

Great Blue Heron, far in the distance [full zoom in use] in the early morning light, Delta Ponds.

I'm sure all these photos look the same to y'all out there, but I see all the subtle differences in light, especially the early morning light when the sun's just poking above the trees. I love the peacefulness, the quiet, the still beauty and the colors.

This little duck family was enjoying the log.

Saw a couple of tunnels through the trees that I'd never noticed, though I walk this trail often. It parallels the sidewalk, alongside the ponds near home, and is a much nicer alternative.

So that's my tour for today. Got a little over an hour of walking in before 8am, so the rest of the day I'll probably stay inside and chill.