Robin on her blog Breezes at Dawn proposed a virtual group walk a few weeks ago.  We’re all going out for a walk sometime this week and then posting about what we found.  I am always looking for an excuse to go for a walk, and we’ve had such beautiful weather this fall it’s hard to be inside.  I chose this past Friday for my Walktober because I had the day off and because it might be the last pretty day for a long time.  Rain is forecast along with colder weather.  Besides…this challenge is due by Sunday!

I thought I’d go on my favorite four mile running route.  I thought I’d find one photo per mile to share with all of you.  I was wrong.  Even during the first 1/2 mile I  found many beautiful things to show you.

How could I choose just one?

At the end of my road I remembered a small windmill that I see every morning when I commute to work.  Early mornings when the air is cool and the water still warm a gentle mist floats up from the pond.  It’s beautiful.   I’ve always wanted to photograph it.   I knew it was somewhere between where I stood and the next road north…approximately a mile of woods and fields away.  I also knew there was no mist that afternoon.  But still, I wanted to see if I could find it.

So the planned four mile walk along country roads was exchanged for a hike across country.

Back behind the trees I found the old rock field fence that lined what used to be a road.

I came across this little guy.  I can’t remember if this means a long or a short winter.  Do you?

Eventually I moved out of the woods and found a mowed path that wound through a field and down to the pond.  Such a pretty place, you’d think it would be tranquil.  But the freeway was right there with it’s constant roar.  The windmill was cute though!

On my way back to the road I noted this bird condo.  I wondered who has lived there and whether anyone lives there now.

Then I was back on the road and walking past a little lake — enjoying the colors across the way.  The pontoon boat seemed to be enjoying the pretty afternoon too as it waited for one last voyage before winter closes in.

So I never made it around my 4 mile route.  There would have been pretty things to show you if I had gone that way too.  Horses, barns, sun, shadows, colored trees, woodlands.  But I went the way less traveled and found new treasures.

Thanks Robin, for encouraging us to get out and see our worlds.  It was fun.  Hopefully we’ll do a “Walknover!”