Amy Rose has her favorite parks, and I have mine. Amy is into hiking and bike riding, bless her athletic little heart. I’m more into groomed sedate pathways, preferably not too far from a clean public bathroom.
Now that I’m off on Fridays, I discovered that my normal library branch is closed on that day, so I researched other branches. There are several within easy driving distance of my new home, but the listing that jumped out at me was the Audubon branch. I had totally forgotten about that branch – and the fact that it is adjacent not only to the Amherst Police Station and Town Court (should I ever need to go there, heaven forbid) but it is also next to Walton Woods Park.
A number of years ago when our kids were young, we occasionally took them to that park for a nice walk. There is no playground, but it is very pretty, and restrooms are available in the library (a must with young children).
It’s a perfect park for a fat old lady like me. The trail is only 1.4 miles, and is completely paved. Even I can do 1.4 miles on a paved trail.
So, off I went to return some library books, pick up some new books, and take some nature photos.
The entrance to the park is not easy to find, but having been there before, I knew just where to look.
Immediately inside the park entrance, the path comes to the man-made lake and forks in either direction to surround that lake.
There are benches placed strategically for those of us who need to rest, a lot.
As I stood at the bottom of a short incline taking photos of the lake, another “mature” couple strolled by and commented that nature is beautiful. I smiled and replied, “Yes, it is, but I’m not taking bets as to whether or not I’ll fall into the pond.” They chuckled and moved on.
I decided to take the path opposite from the way they were going so as to have a bit more privacy and came upon another bench, and a large boulder which people can sit on should they choose to do so.
People fish in the lake (I guess it’s kept stocked). Some fishermen are not as good as others.
I really had gone less than 1/4 mile when I took the final photos. Just past the next curve is a fairly new housing subdivision. Many times when walking with our kids, I envied people who lived in those houses – such a great view!
Then my camera battery died! Had I really taken that many photos since I got that camera? Yeah, probably so. Next time, I’ll need to charge up the camera before heading out.
It was a nice, peaceful walk, however short – and now I have a new place to go for photo shoots. If I remember correctly, the far side of the lake can get a bit wild despite the paved pathway.
A little piece of heaven only 15 minutes from home, where even my aged legs can manage. Definitely, I will be going back with a fully charged camera.
And, on the way home, I noted two other small parks that I didn’t previously know about. I intend to check those out, too.
There will be lots of park photos in the future. Surely, something to look forward to.
Back to work tomorrow, but it was a beautiful, enjoyable weekend (and no contractors – yay!).
Hope yours was relaxing. too.
__________
I love to hear from my readers. You may comment on this post, comment on my Facebook or Twitter pages, or email me at cordeliasmom2012@yahoo.com
__________
Images by Cordelia’s Mom
Cordelia's Mom, Still 
Your area look a lot like home. It’s that woodsy river valley look 🙂 We also have an Audubon library and about 50 Audubon parks, probably because I think Mr. Audobon was from around here.
LikeLike
You’d think there’d be a million different kinds of birds in those Audubon parks, right? I’m just hoping to see something other than a crow or sparrow.
LikeLike
What a pretty park, CM, one that I had no idea even existed. So much to explore yet …. When we were kids we went to Ellicott Creek Park out Tonawanda way. I really enjoyed your pictures and would love to see more. Awesome post!
Also, the more you walk and move, the better you feel. Honest. Little encouraging story …. Because I was involved in intense, and I mean intense, Hospice care with Rocky last Summer/Fall/Early Winter, I was not exercising. And then I collapsed afterwards not moving much. I ended up in so much pain in my legs and left foot I could barely walk. I forced myself to walk even when tears were in my eyes from the pain. I just kept going. Fast forward to today … I’m just about back health wise where I was before the major disruption of my life …. My Mom’s death and three of our babies with Hospice care with one and trying to keep another from dying (almost the same thing). The third was fatally hurt and had to be euthanized. BUT! Out of all that I was determined not to fall and so I moved. I pass this story on to you ….. Happy Monday, CM!! 😘😘😘
LikeLike
Pardon my rudeness! Thank you for the link and I also want to applaud you for your photographs. I really enjoyed them!
LikeLike
No need to apologize. I figured since you commented on the post itself you saw the link.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for your encouragement, Amy.
We used to take the kids to Ellicott Creek Park, but at some point stopped going there – and The Island there has been turned into a dog park. I’ve never been, but I hear it’s a good place to take a dog if its needs to run.
LikeLiked by 1 person
How things change. I was just talking to Hubby about wanting to go up to Canada to Sherkston Beach for a photoshoot and he told me that it is really changed, nothing like it was when we used to go. What a shame because that Beach was just so unique and so beautiful.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Walking ner water is always a good thing. The photos are beautiful.
LikeLike
Thanks, Dan. The scenery was beautiful, which made my work very easy. Now that the contractors are done at my house, I hope to use at least some of my Fridays for photography.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great photos CM 💜
LikeLike
Thanks, Willow. It was a beautiful day and a beautiful park.
LikeLike
Great find 💜💜
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Just Flitting Around | Cordelia's Mom, Still
Pingback: Into the Woods Again | Cordelia's Mom, Still
Pingback: Time to Relax | Cordelia's Mom, Still
Pingback: Another Use for a Good Fence | Cordelia's Mom, Still
Pingback: Rain, Rain, Go Away | Cordelia's Mom, Still
Pingback: Hawk Eyes | Cordelia's Mom, Still
Pingback: Different Cameras, Different Photos – Really | Cordelia's Mom, Still