Veterans Day walk

Lake Padden this morning

It was just me this morning. Mel is visiting some friends in Arizona, and after checking (1) the weather forecast and (2) where the two Senior Trailblazers group were headed, I decided to just take myself around Lake Padden. I did this walk last Saturday, but it never fails to be just right. Two times around gives me more than five miles, and since today is a holiday (Veterans Day) and the kids are not in school, I knew I would have plenty of company.

When you start out at the dog park entrance, traveling clockwise, a short distance up the trail that goes around the lake, there is an enticing trail that heads up on the left. Never having taken it before, I decided to give it a go. It goes quite steeply uphill for a distance, and I did see some trees I'd never seen before.

A natural garden stump

The trail was muddy in spots, but the rain that is supposed to come our way this afternoon had not started yet, and it stayed dry throughout my walk. There was also little to no wind, but the skies were overcast, as you can tell from the photo below.

Not a black and white shot, really

Although it's really dark, I like the mood of it. For one thing, you can see how smooth the water is in the lake, and the misty low clouds also helped set the scene. As I walked, the skies did lighten up a little.

Trees are still lovely

I asked the mother for permission to take this photo, since it was either wait for them to leave (they weren't in any hurry) or add them in. I was struck by how glassy smooth the water had become, and how much color still remains in the trees. It was a beautiful walk and although I missed my pal, I was glad to finish while the weather remained calm. We are forecast to get several more inches of rain before it's all over.

And I do want to take a moment to thank all our veterans for their service.  On the news this morning, I was reminded that this is the first Veterans Day when the United States is not at war in more than two decades. I truly wish I could wave a magic wand and put an end to all wars. I wish you and all my dear loved ones a truly serene holiday.

:-)