Another Cool Morning, But It Is Warming

Today I arrived at the park 7:09 a.m. and noticed a lack of walker joggers. I headed east, circling in a clockwise direction. The others I encountered sported a mix of attires. Some, like me, were dressed for the lower temperatures with ear, neck and hand protection. Others were still in shorts and loose fitting open tops using the energy generated from physical activity to keep them warm. Several of the walkers were traveling in small clicks, perhaps taking advantage of group body heat to stay comfortable. It has warmed up since earlier in the week, today it is fifty-three degrees. The cool snap may end, another front could arrive, time will tell.

Walking this morning, I notice areas where the grounds are re-planted and newly mulched. The scent of the mulch is delicious. I do not know if it is pine, cypress, redwood or what, but it is divine. It reminds me of the sensory experience of summer when the aroma from newly cut grass or hay fills one's nostrils. It feels so comforting and connected to the earth. That olfactory experience that is wafting up from the new mulch around the newly planted landscaping in the moist damp hours of the early light.

Speaking of light, the light today was dim. Perhaps the amount of moisture in the air affected the view. Perhaps the water and the air are of a simpatico temperature and diffuse the contrast. I could speculate endlessly as to why things did not pop out visually as I walked today. On the east end, there was a large Snowy Egret very close to the walking bridge. As I approached, he truncated himself down from his tallest stance into a short squat. I waited, all the while holding him in my view lens, but he remained coy. On the other side of the lake, two of his kind played the game of territorial chess. Interesting concepts and activities but a stunning shot did not manifest for me today.

I am so glad that I have made walking the lake a regular part of my morning routine. It makes me feel empowered, invigorated and energized. There is evidence that it is habit forming. For now, it is a habit I whole-heartedly support. I love mornings walking around the lake in my lovely local park.