A Little Autumn Walk

Our town has some wonderful walking/bike paths resulting from the "rails to trails" program, and yesterday I asked Dan if we could walk a section that I've always wanted to explore.  Don't ask why we haven't; you know how it goes.  So we drove a short distance, parked, and began to walk.  The weather was perfect, sunny but definitely cool.  Our first steps took us into an area that seemed almost tunnel-like with bright colored trees and bushes everywhere.  There was a little creek to the side and the sound of the water caught my ear.  A spillway has recently been created and it made a lovely, peaceful spot.

A little further down the path, we discovered a row of trees, each with a plaque dedicated to a student from our high school who had passed away much too young.  

I had no idea such memorials existed, but I recognized several names, and one in particular, a young seventeen-year-old who, as a boy, had attended the school where I taught  for many years.  

As we continued, we discovered a small park (who knew?) that made me want to have a picnic immediately!  I think we shall have to return soon with a bag of sandwiches, some fruit, and something warm to drink.  A hidden treasure!  I kept marveling over this area that I never knew existed.  

Below, a horse chestnut is about to pop.

And, oh, the gorgeous leaves!

It was a most restorative walk.  Peaceful, beautiful, and perfect.  I think we must do it again soon.