Hubby was napping after work. Shhhhh!!!! Don’t wake him! I quickly and quietly slipped on my new Keen sandals and threw my backpack into the car and zipped over to one of my favorite trails – Creation Walk Nature Trail. I knew with the drought we’ve been experiencing that the creek would be low and wanted to try out my sandals with a little creek walking.
The parking lot was empty and I had the whole park to myself! The sunshine was bouncing rays and sunbeams through the branches of the trees onto the path in front of me.
It looked just magical! When I entered the creek I noticed that there appeared to be a circle of light in the creek. Can you see it in the next picture? Is this where Scotty will “Beam me up?” I stood in the light for a few minutes, but the only thing that happened was that I started to sweat! Oh, well!
The water was cold and my sandals kept me upright easily. They have a sturdy bottom. I’m glad, because I had left my hiking poles in my car. I splashed my way along the creek bed until I was satisfied my sandals were thoroughly soaked!
My Keen sandals were keeping my feet very happy, in, and out of the water!
After my little creek walk my stomach was growling because I had skipped dinner. That’s when I noticed that along the trail were BERRY BUSHES!!!
I’m not a berry expert, but they looked like black raspberry bushes. They were so sweet and delicious! I laughed out loud when I took the picture of the berries in my mouth (top photo – How could you miss it?) and one flew out of my mouth and landed on the trail! Five second rule. I ate it.
I was having WAY too much fun picking and eating berries! I picked up the pace a little bit and nearly ran smack into a little green worm making its way down from the leaves above. Little stinker! Can you see him?
How about now? Right in the center.
I tried to put my hand behind him to give it some background, but it stuck right to me! Yuck!! Luckily, it was easily removed and I didn’t have to kill it! What an adventure this has been!
This path is ingrained in my soul and I knew my favorite tree was coming up! The Shagbark hickory! Like the name implies, the bark of the mature tree is shaggy! (The young ones have smooth bark.) The nut of the Shagbark hickory is edible and sweet. I haven’t tried one yet. You know I will eventually.
Me and my love!
For some reason after hugging my Shagbark hickory, I became very romantic and took a few photos of the flowers I noticed on the way back to my car.
This was one of my favorite hikes on this trail yet! Every time I visit here there is something new to see and experience! It wasn’t physically challenging, but it was good for my soul!
Take care and hike on!
**The Keen sandals are a keeper! I just wish they weren’t so doggone heavy!
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