Friday, October 19, 2012

An Upbeat Ending to the Week

Friday, October 19, 2012

San Antonio River, Mission Reach, VFW Blvd Trailhead
downstream to the current end of the greenway

Today's photos:











Where my walk on Wednesday was at the upstream beginning of the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River Greenway, today I walked the current end of the trail downstream. The greenway trail goes under the VFW Blvd bridge and ends at the northeast corner of Mission County Park.

The autumn weather we are currently experiencing is perfect for nature walks. The birds appear to be enjoying the weather as well. And the fall wildflowers have beautiful, brilliant blooms.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Refreshed by the River, Part 2

Thursday, October 18, 2012

This is the second set of photos from my walk along the San Antonio River yesterday. Experiencing the presence of the damselfly, the lesser scaup and the snowy egret was a particular delight. But my soul took flight when the red-tailed hawk appeared as I was photographing the cirrus clouds above the tree.












Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Refreshed by the River

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

San Antonio River, Mission Reach, Roosevelt Park Trailhead
downstream to the pedestrian bridge

Today's photos:










There are numerous benefits to restoring the riparian ecosystem along the San Antonio River, such as reducing pollution, moderating the temperatures in the surrounding area, providing habitat for migratory animals (note the photo of the Monarch butterfly in the pickerelweed), etc.

Not the least of the benefits is that it also provides a location to at least momentarily leave the urban environment and refresh one's soul. Following an intense physical therapy session this afternoon, a short walk along the river was particularly refreshing.

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

A Few Yanaguana Insect Close-ups

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

This is another set of photos from my walk on the Yanaguana Nature Trails at Mission San Juan this past Friday, October 12. I still have two more sets of photos to publish from that walk. These seven photos ended up in a group of their own primarily because they don't fit in the remaining two themes.







Monday, October 15, 2012

Walking With Butterflies

Monday, October 15, 2012

Leon Creek South Greenway, Pearsall Park Trailhead to the 1 mile marker

Today's photos:















When I first arrived at Pearsall Park about noon today, I had planned on walking the nature trail loop, but it was closed for construction. So, I walked about a mile of the Leon Creek  South Greenway trail.

Butterflies, butterflies, butterflies (no monarchs)... There were countless butterflies of many different kinds fluttering and swirling and perching everywhere. I was wearing a green plaid shirt and butterflies would occasionally perch on my shoulder.

Of course, there were many other things to see as well. Above is but a small sample of the many photos I took today.