On a crisp autumn afternoon, I step onto a public pathway and fall in love with fall.
I’ve always tried to call the season by its proper name: autumn. I think it was never a true season for me. I lived in places where there were no real seasons, or where the change from one time of year to another was more like summer-winter (and a small winter at that.) Well, there was once that wild weather year in Ukraine, but that is best forgotten. Here, in Tumwater Washington, USA, there is a true autumn where leaves really do fall and weather straddles that divide between summer’s and winter’s extremes. Fall is here, not just autumn, and I can’t wait to see this season progress.
Today I step for the first time onto the path in Tumwater Historical Park, and there is nothing but delight all around. Breathe in, and the crisp smell of water-plants-mulch-dirt-leaves-flowers-moist air gives a refresher that must be more healthy than a million daily vitamins.
Photos do that wonderful trick of being perfect without any magic from me – not that I know how to put magic into pictures. The water reflects the image of perfect trees, perfect geese, perfect ducks, perfect buildings. Around the curves in this path, bushes arrange themselves into perfect arbors and before I can wish they were there, docks jut into the lake for me to walk upon.
I walk under Interstate #5, a phenomenally busy highway, without noticing any traffic noise. Maybe it’s there, but my attention is pulled ahead to Capitol Lake and a perfect view to the State Capitol building. The pathway is just busy enough with fellow walkers to keep me company, without blocking my views or making me run from crowds.
Walking is a physical venture. Sometimes that is enough. Every once in a while, though, a walk comes along and offers more than simply putting feet to ground. That this one came during my first fall here is just perfect.
I’ve been there… and you are right, it’s a beautiful park. Enjoy your fall!
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Janis – isn’t it a lovely park? I am enjoying autumn like a Californian living for the first time through seasons (which I am, like you!) Have a wonderful day – Susan
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What a lovely place. I always called it autumn, being as Aussie of Brit heritage. Fall was always something very American to me. Until I moved to Canada where the two words are pretty much interchangeable, but most people say fall. Now it feels a bit odd to call it autumn.
Isn’t the PNW magical!
Alison
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Alison – I am right now watching the sun rise through a screen of enormous pines and maples – so very magical 🙂 -Susan
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Pretty park! I live autumn, and would miss it, though we seem to be hurtling into winter now .
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I think you are underselling your photography skills, such beautiful images. I love Autumn.
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Hi Helen – thanks for stopping by. I love your compliment and will gladly take credit for the photos, but it’s really just true life that day 😉 Cheers – Susan
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‘Falling’ seems to be happening very gently? I have seen riotous ambers and glorious golds from some areas. Enjoy each moment 🙂 🙂
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RJo – I’m watching leaves fall right now in our backyard. It’s such a treat to experience these seasons. Our California life had such tame seasons that I feel like this is an adventure right in our backyard. Thanks for dropping by – Susan
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Let’s see, from my years in Seattle (40 years ago!), we had four seasons, wet, wetter, wettest, and about 70 minutes of sunshine in July – quick get out the the Arboretum! Glad that you enjoyed your Autumnal stroll – Cuz O
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