A Walk in the Park

One of the benefits of living on the edge of town is having the ability to drive a few minutes west out into nothing. In a two minute drive I can be at Hoover Forest Preserve. A five minute drive will get me to Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area.

My wife and I simply call it the park.

The end of the day usually finds us at one or the other going for a walk. Today we opted for the park. With temperatures in the 90s’ all day, we were hoping the small lake and surrounding ponds would cool things down a little. We hoped correctly.

I have no clue how far we walk, we walk till we get tired. But it’s always near the sunset hours.

I was told to bring a fishing pole. I keep spinning gear and a fly rod in my car at all times. I declined the offer. My last visit here strictly for fishing had water devoid of fish. Of course, this time, the fish were everywhere. Panfish and bass were cruising all over the lake and the ponds. In and out of the weeds, cruising the weed lines. Even saw a big carp swim off toward the middle of the lake with a big bass just under it cruising right along with the carp. Proves a little theory of mine, but more on that some other time.

One shore line must have been a popular spawning ground. A couple of weeks ago, the baby bass were not much more than black specks in the water. Today they were a good half inch long. Odd how they continue to stay along the same stretch of shore.

All around the perimeter of the lake, tall plants with lily like flowers were growing. They grew directly out of the water rather than further up on the shore. Added a subtle lavender ring around the whole lake.

The rest was just a walk. Of course the far ponds were loaded with fish. I believe I was told I told you so. We wandered along the path on the edge of the ponds and woods. Taking pictures of the play of light on and through the trees. I have no clue if they could be considered good pictures from a photo standpoint, but they are good enough to recall the play of light for us. It’s not always about what it might mean to others.

I don’t even know what attracts me to take the picture. Play of light on trees, shapes created by trees, reflections on water, overhanging branches framing a scene or some combination of all of these things. Keep taking pictures and worry about what they look like later when they can be viewed bigger.

We always make it back to where we started right about when the sun is getting ready to hide behind the tree line. My wife knows I’ll be stopping to watch and there’s no point trying to move me along. I’ll leave when I’m ready. I have a sunset to watch.

The last few steps to the car a lone goose feather was sticking up out of the grass. It was too perfect to be accidental, but then there was nobody else around. The geese were not far away, so maybe it was no accident. I left it where it was. Someone else had to come by sooner or later. Maybe they’d appreciate it.

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