September started out still blazing hot but now the weather is reasonable again, and perfect for heading to the woods.
Head to the woods I did, with a local group that took me to a brand new area, right off the trail I usually walk. I’d known of this side trail for years of course, but because it looked overgrown and in denser brush I was leery of going too far in by myself. When the group advertised a guided walk into this area I jumped at the opportunity.
We followed Chilligo Creek for most of the walk.Heading to a crossing point at the creek.One of our group refers to this oak as “The Mother Tree” 🙂The forest floor is full of fungus-y finds like this one.Fall is the time when the wild asters are the most beautiful.Another purple fall flower. According to iNaturalist, it is a knapweed.Beautiful bright red foliage of the Virginia Creeper spotted in the meadow.View of Chilligo Creek as it come out from under the highway. Taken from the side of the road, above.My pants were covered in “travellers” at the hike’s end. Another sign of the fall!Heading back from the walk, I took a moment to appreciate the beauty of the plantings downtown. They are putting on a show as well, as we cruise into fall. Hydrangeas are changing from white to pink and bronze.A few steps further, I took in the riot of chrysanthemums planted to celebrate fall in our downtown.Home again. Sipping wine and picking seeds outta my pants…a perfect end to a perfect walk in the woods.
Sublime. I don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have wild areas close at hand, with which to restore my soul.
This has been a Changing Seasons Post. The Changing Seasons is a monthly photo challenge, hosted by Su Leslie of Zimmerbitch.
37 thoughts on “September Sublime 2018 #TheChangingSeasons”
What a great trail and beautiful photos of your walk. And thumbs up to you for going in a group because it doesn’t look all that safe for a woman to be doing on her own.
Thanks Jean. Now that I know my way around, I’ll probably venture there on my own. People have been telling me for years not to go on the main trail alone and I’m still here 😀
Nothing like a little serenity in the woods to put life in perspective. I love the fall foliage and mushrooms/fungi have become my new fascination. Looks like a great hike.
You are so lucky to have wild areas close at hand! We have the ocean close by but the coastal areas are often too populated to enjoy in peace and quiet. Fall posts like this prompts me to think about moving to area with autumn colors… then come winter posts about snow and I’m happy to stay where I am. I guess it’s all a trade-off. Beautiful pictures!
Such a pretty walk, Deb and the chrysanthemums are certainly a pop of colour. It is Springtime where I love the and Jacarandas have started to bloom and certainly lifts the spirits with their beautiful blooms. Enjoy your Fall. x
I can’t wait to start walking the trails around here! Thing is, I love walking by myself, but it’s probably not safe to walk trails by myself. But that’s something; I could ask around on FB about local groups, as I really don’t have any local friends.
Thank you Kim! I hope you can find a group to walk with. You might find a local group through Meetup or Meetups – I forget what is the name – a website where people can find others with the same interests or start their own group.
Hi, Deb – Great post! I, too, don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have nearby forests to restore my soul. I also love walking with a group — it gives our local bears and coyotes more dinner options than just me! 🙂
Hi Deb! I am jealous that your place to walk looks so cool and inviting. We’re still pretty warm here in the desert southwest. But our day will come. Thanks for taking us along on your walk. ~Kathy
How wonderful that you had company & reason to explore The Other Side of the woods! I am often also hesitant to go too far off the beaten path (even if The Other looks like it is some sort of path) – company is always welcome!
Hope you get a few more good walks in before the weather turns too cold!
I’m smitten with purple asters right now so you walk seems especially delightful to me. Plus the adult libation afterward looks nice as well. You have such fun.
That looks so pretty. I live in a dry area of the country (heh, it’s Australia “dry” covers 80%of the country!), so no scenery like you’ve pictured. I might have to do a similar post in the near future of what my bush areas look like.
What a great trail and beautiful photos of your walk. And thumbs up to you for going in a group because it doesn’t look all that safe for a woman to be doing on her own.
Thanks Jean. Now that I know my way around, I’ll probably venture there on my own. People have been telling me for years not to go on the main trail alone and I’m still here 😀
For whatever reason, WP doesn’t want me to comment on certain blogs and you guessed it – you’re one of them 😕 I’m hoping this time it works…
Great photos, Deb. Don’t you just love it when you find treasures like this close to home?!
woohoo!! I worked!!
I do love it Joanne! 💕
Nothing like a little serenity in the woods to put life in perspective. I love the fall foliage and mushrooms/fungi have become my new fascination. Looks like a great hike.
It’s not a huge hike but it’s varied and underutilized, which makes it perfect in my eyes. Thanks Karen!
You are so lucky to have wild areas close at hand! We have the ocean close by but the coastal areas are often too populated to enjoy in peace and quiet. Fall posts like this prompts me to think about moving to area with autumn colors… then come winter posts about snow and I’m happy to stay where I am. I guess it’s all a trade-off. Beautiful pictures!
Thanks Donna! My daughter is instagramming lying by the pool and walking the Island beaches. It’s a trade-off alright!
I’m Janis from SoCal, but same coast, right?
Oh! My apologies Janis! I confused you with another blogger that has a blog name with “retirement” in it also ☺️.
Donna at Retirement Reflections is my good blogging buddy, so I don’t mind at all 🙂
That’s what I get for replying quickly using the phone app…😜
Nature is good for the soul! Thanks for sharing your walk.
Yes it is! Thanks Janet.
Such a pretty walk, Deb and the chrysanthemums are certainly a pop of colour. It is Springtime where I love the and Jacarandas have started to bloom and certainly lifts the spirits with their beautiful blooms. Enjoy your Fall. x
Enjoy your spring Sue!
I can’t wait to start walking the trails around here! Thing is, I love walking by myself, but it’s probably not safe to walk trails by myself. But that’s something; I could ask around on FB about local groups, as I really don’t have any local friends.
Your photos are gorgeous!
Thank you Kim! I hope you can find a group to walk with. You might find a local group through Meetup or Meetups – I forget what is the name – a website where people can find others with the same interests or start their own group.
Great-looking walk. I can almost smell the fresh cool air from your photos. I love those chrysanthemum “balls” by the way; seriously cool.
Thanks Su!
Hi, Deb – Great post! I, too, don’t know what I’d do if I didn’t have nearby forests to restore my soul. I also love walking with a group — it gives our local bears and coyotes more dinner options than just me! 🙂
Hah! You’re right – you just have to be faster at running than the slowest person in the group to be taken off the dinner menu 😜Thanks, Donna.
you are lucky to have such place at your doorstep. what’s better to recharge than nature. nice images.
Thank you Klara!
Hi Deb! I am jealous that your place to walk looks so cool and inviting. We’re still pretty warm here in the desert southwest. But our day will come. Thanks for taking us along on your walk. ~Kathy
You’re welcome Kathy! I’ll be jealous of your desert heat before too long 😁
How wonderful that you had company & reason to explore The Other Side of the woods! I am often also hesitant to go too far off the beaten path (even if The Other looks like it is some sort of path) – company is always welcome!
Hope you get a few more good walks in before the weather turns too cold!
Thank you! I walk all year round. Only a biting wind stops me 😜
I’m smitten with purple asters right now so you walk seems especially delightful to me. Plus the adult libation afterward looks nice as well. You have such fun.
I do try, Ally. Every day there is something to admire and celebrate, especially in nature. Thanks!
Glorious photos. Nothing like immersion in nature to nourish the soul. Love the photos especially the one from above…willow trees?
Yes, lots of willows wherever there is water!
That looks so pretty. I live in a dry area of the country (heh, it’s Australia “dry” covers 80%of the country!), so no scenery like you’ve pictured. I might have to do a similar post in the near future of what my bush areas look like.
I’d love to see that, AJ. Please do!
WB, your photos are magnificent! Autumn at its best!
Thank you! 🙏