Ferguson Canyon in November

At the beginning of the Ferguson Canyon Trail, you can look out and see the valley. 

I liked seeing the mist on the mountains, but my brother said, "That isn't mist. It's smog." But I still liked the mist.

This is what the very beginning of the trail looks like if you start in the upper parking lot.
 

Not far up the trail, there's a water tank to pass.

It was sunny when we began, but as we went into the canyon we were shaded. Then the sun went behind the clouds for a while. It got cold. We encountered frost where it's likely the sun rarely reaches. I took a picture of the frost, but I only posted it on Instagram. I posted ten pictures of our hike there, but those ten pictures don't do it justice, so I decided to blog about the experience here too. Some of the pictures are also on Instagram, but less cropped here. 

These are more pictures I took along the trail.

Here's where we stopped. The trail goes on for another few miles, but we wanted a short hike this time. We probably only walked about a mile and a half up the canyon.

This beautiful mossy area is right next to where we stopped. It almost deserves a post all of its own. I posted a cropped version of this first picture on Instagram. I'll post one other on my private blog. Below are two other pictures. 

I was fascinated by how the round ice formed. We watched and saw little droplets fly from the waterfall onto the round ice. This sight made the whole hike worth it.

On our walk back to the trailhead, we were blessed with more, much-needed, direct sunlight. I'm really glad my youngest daughter and youngest brother joined me on this hike. This final picture was taken up near the top of where we walked in the canyon. I look forward to returning here next year when it's warmer.

Open Space

About a mile and a half from my home is a trail that enters Crestwood Park. The park is a good-sized place with walking trails and wide-open spaces. I have lived in this home for almost eleven years, but didn't have a clue this park exists until today. Why didn't I know about it sooner? 

To drive to an easy-access parking lot, it's about three and a half miles from my home. 

There's a playground, picnic tables, and a swimming pool too.

But my favorite thing about the park is all the trails and open spaces.

What is it about being in nature that is so appealing? Is it the sunshine? The trees? The trickling sound of the creek? I will enjoy this place even more in spring, summer, and early fall. I look forward to seeing the flowers it holds.

When my children were little, we frequented parks. Seeing this group of moms and children brought back memories.  

I loved walking the trails with my daughter today. 

She's one of my favorite walking companions. She's generally patient with my picture taking. 

She's adventurous. She pays attention to what's going on around us.

We all have private struggles. Today, I might have wanted to stay home and read a book, but even more I wanted to find a place to walk with her, for her. We had no idea what we'd encounter here, so it was a true adventure.

The wide-open spaces are a particular delight. What is it about vast amounts of space that is so appealing? In them, I feel a sense of freedom. 

There grows room for all my thoughts and feelings.

There's room for my heart to run.

There's something about the blue sky and sunshine that fills my soul, though I wouldn't necessarily want to be there alone.

I'm so grateful to discover a new-to-me place so close to home.

Most of all, I was so happy to see her face alight with joy today.