An Autumnal Respite

It was a fall day almost too warm for my long-sleeved T-shirt.  I welcomed the breeze from across the lake as it cooled my back and also scattered leaves like dyslexic butterflies everywhere.

I had to carefully share the trail with bikers who were determined to recreate the Tour de France in these East Coast Woods.  The layers of sand and pine needles hid their fast approach.  I could smell coconut oil as they whizzed by while I hugged the edge of the trail.  Then I would get another 20 minutes of quiet peace.

There were other dangers as the tall oaks and beech trees threw their wares making popping sounds and with inaccurate sighting they just missed my head.  The ground was covered in smooth missiles.

I complained just a little for the obstacle course that had been thrust my way and the woods were all ears in sympathy.

The walk was 7.5 miles over tree roots, across compacted clay, trails of sand and even a mud puddle or two.  The background music was the sharp call of the jay and a rare hawk high in the blue sky.  If I was very still I even heard one lonely cricket.  Mid-way I stopped for a light lunch on a damp log and looked up at the light show just above my head.

I did find a few treasures which I will post in the future.