October Among the Oaks

The past week or so we have had perfect weather here in South Texas for nature hikes:

This set of photographs was taken along the Oak Loop Trail in Hardberger Park on Monday, October 21, 2013

Gayfeather and Other Woodland Wonders

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Leon Creek Greenway, Bamberger Nature Park Trailhead
from Babcock Rd north to the pedestrian bridge
and numerous natural surface trails in between

Today's photos:

It was hot on my walk through Bamberger Nature Park and along the Leon Creek Greenway today, but the air was crystal clear. It was a beautiful day to be on the trail. It has been a couple weeks since it has rained, but compared to a year ago, the woodland along the creek is especially vibrant now. 

Gayfeather (the purple flowers in the first five photos in this series) grow profusely in the rocky limestone soil along Leon Creek. They begin blooming in late summer and continue well into early winter.

A Midsummer Woodland Afternoon

Monday, August 20, 2012

Hardberger Park. Water Loop Trail

Today's photos:

When I set out for my walk today, I had intended to walk the Oak Loop Trail, but it was inaccessible due to construction in the park. The Water Loop Trail provided an excellent alternative.

Morning Inspiration, A Sunday Special Edition

Sunday, August 5, 2012

Morning Inspiration at Cathedral Rock

"The sun is peering, like a curious child, over the trees. I'm loving life!" - Manuel Scott

When I posted "Vespers, A Sunday Special Edition" this past Sunday, I had no intention of making "A Sunday Special Edition" a regular feature of While on a Walk, but life happens. It may still prove to be as ephemeral as Bexar County's creeks.

The photos in today's Special Edition where taken on my walk Wednesday, August 1 at Cathedral Rock Park.

"Every Second Of Every Day Is A Gift" A Special Tribute to Jessica Ghawi

Friday, July 20, 2012

McAllister Park, Mud Creek Loop Trail

Today's photos:

Friday when I left for my walk, the news of the mass shooting at the theater in Aurora, Colorado was filling the media coverage. I had heard that one of the victims was a San Antonio native named Jessica Ghawi and that she had survived the shooting at Eaton Center Mall in Toronto this past June. My psyche was (and still is) trying to process all this information.

I did not know Ms. Ghawi, but I am impressed and deeply touched by everything I have read and heard about her. After reading her own blog post, "Late Night Thoughts on the Eaton Center Shooting," I realized that her conclusion expresses my own reaction to having survived a near fatal septic infection four years ago. And it goes straight to the heart of what While on a Walk is all about. So, this post is dedicated to the memory of Jessica Ghawi.

"I was shown how fragile life was on Saturday [June 2, 2012].  … I was reminded that we don’t know when or where our time on Earth will end. When or where we will breathe our last breath.

"I say all the time that every moment we have to live our life is a blessing. So often I have found myself taking it for granted. Every hug from a family member. Every laugh we share with friends. Even the times of solitude are all blessings. Every second of every day is a gift. After Saturday evening, I know I truly understand how blessed I am for each second I am given."  -  Jessica Ghawi,  June 5, 2012