Wednesday, October 28, 2009

A Foggy Fall Morning Walk...

It was a little chilly this mornin'....so me an' the mittens, we took a chilly walk. It had rained last night and there was fog and dampness which helps the leaves smell extra good.

I took pictures on my walk this morning and here's what I got, I don't slow down much and I detest flash so some of them are darker than I like, and not the best quality but some of them turned out okay. I tried to capture the small-town-ishness of the little 'burg near where I live for you.

They have what is called a "river walk" and it's a bike and walking path down near the river that I like to use, because I don't have to worry about cracks in the sidewalks and crossing streets and stopping and going, you can just walk at a rapid pace and get your workout in.

Today, though, for you, I deviated from the normal route and walked on through town and extended my walk to a full hour. It felt good!


Our little walking trail is where everyone you meet says "hello" or "good morning!" as you meet them. I go up there around eight, so it's not quite bright outside yet. In fact, I'm hardly awake at that time, but I do speak to everyone I pass by. Some walk in groups, I walk alone. Don't worry, I am well armed: I have good elbows and I know how to use them, heh heh!

Can I tell you a secret? I love catching up to those in front of me and being able to go around them on the trail, I guess it's the NASCAR part of me. If I can walk from way behind and get up to and go around them I say to myself "you passed another one!" and I keep this game up until the end of the walk: it just makes the time go by faster.


And I go over the river and through the woods...there are three or so bridges on the path, and I walk to the pleasant noise of the river splashing around rocks, fallen logs, or a curve in the bank; that pleasant gurgling sound is accented by the call of crows as they echo each other.


The trail also passes through a county park, which is just gorgeous this time of year. There's a carpet of leaves all through the groves of trees and it's hard to stay on the trail; I want to just plow through them! Squirrels are busy running from tree to tree, hiding their acorns, to be retrieved in the winter time when they're hungry.





There's always a brilliant crimson leaf that stands out and catches the eye...


And the oaks...they're some of the most beautiful leaves of all!

Now we'll mosey through part of the town to see some of the old homes, and all the fall decorations that are out, and some of the beautiful trees.


This is one of my very favorite cottages, and the front porch roof and the curved door is just the best.

This stately home has always been gorgeous, and in their front yard are little dancing ghosts, gathered round a tree.




These homes are done in hues that perfectly match all the fall color around them....



And this one reminds me somehow of Daisy Cottage every time I see it. Must be the yellow and how perfectly adorable it is.

Pretty porches are everywhere!





I guess we're almost back to where I parked the car!
Thanks for going with me on my walk today! I am heading home to get a roast in the oven, it just seems like that kind of a day. Peanut butter cookies sound good, too!
XOXO
Joni

15 comments:

Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings... said...

Hi Joni.. Thanks for stopping by as it led me here to you! I am following you cause your in MICHIGAN!!!! What part? We are in Cadillac. I tried to recognize some of the homes you featured but no. Always nice to meet a fellow Michigander!!! Love your blog too and the beautiful Homestead! xoxo~Kathy @ Sweet Up-North Mornings...

Sue said...

Joni-these pictures are great!
I love the clever idea of the ghosts around the tree-very neat!
You have a beautiful walking route!

Kathleen Grace said...

It seems like the perfect time of year to have your breath taken away on a walk:>) These photos are so beautiful! Love the houses too. I hope I can get some more walks in before the weather gets totally frozen, I hate the cold! Why do I live in Michigan?

Picket said...

Oh my word girl...what a way to start my day!!!! I loved this 'tour'!!!! The colors and the sweet houses and the porches and the feel of it all and did I mention I loved the 'colors'!!!! Oh I envy you having such a treasure of a place to walk!

It is so good to be able to visit again and I want to thank you so for coming by and remembering me and for all the prayers and support...take care my friend and have a great weekend!

English Cottage in Georgia said...

Joni, What a wonderful way to start the day. Your walk path is scenic and very enjoyable. Thanks so much for taking me along:-)

Kathie Truitt said...

Ha! Every picture I looked at I'd say 'that's my favorite', 'no, THAT'S my favorite,' No, that one'!

thanks for taking me along on your walk. FYI - I also have to pass everyone when I walk.

Kim @ Home Is Where The Heart Is said...

Fall is such a wonderful time of year...perfect for walking!

Enjoyed the pictures of the houses you passed by.

Thistle Cove Farm said...

What a lovely walk; thanks for taking me along!

Bloggin bout my Boys said...

Love all those homes whether stately or cozy they were beauties! WOW, you have inspired me to go it alone at the trail they have in our county too! Good elbow tip. Glad I'm not the only "people dodger" heehee...I do that in the malls too!! You're right it is a good day for a roast or some homemade stew!!

Imagery by Kimberly said...

(((Joni)))

What a beautiful walk! Oh how gorgeous - it was like I was right there with you... thank you so much AND thank you for thinking of me!! That IS an adorable house - as they all are!

Maybe if it cools down to 80 degrees here I'll be better about walking too. ;-)

Love,
Kim

Karen said...

You live in such a beautiful area, and take great pictures too!

Artful Gathering said...

Beautiful photos! Thanks for sharing them. What kind of camera do you take your photos with? They are wonderful.

Unknown said...

Beautiful pics, Joni! I could almost see my breath while looking at them. Thanks for sharing!

LeaderOfTheChickenParade said...

I forgot how pretty the houses were at home! I wish the leaves got that pretty here!

Donna said...

Thank you for the fall tour! It was lovely!