Sunday Walk in the Park

I must be living under a rock! This beautiful 890 acre park is only two miles from my house. I never new it was there until a few months ago...and it opened in 2004! Duh!
This past Sunday, Hubby and I decided we'd take the 2.2 mile walk around the lake. I took the camera of course, and here are some of the things we saw on...and off, the paved trail.

First view of the lake. The leaves were just beginning to change color.

First stop...we stood on one of the fishing docks...

...watching the ducks for a few minutes...this one posed nicely...

...while the other was munching on something.

The squirrel was busy stuffing his mouth with acorns.

What do you think lives in this "little house"? Love the wild ferns.

About half way around is a bench where we I stopped to rest and enjoy the view. Hubby is in good shape, but I was huffing and puffing by this time.

~another fishing dock~

The last half of the trail was filled with a surprising variety of plants. I don't know what this is, but the butterflies loved it.

Lots of golden rod on both sides of the trail. I wanted to pick a bunch for a vase, but didn't dare. This whole area is a nature preserve.

~ a tree loaded with ripe persimmons~

Not sure what this is...trumpet vine? 
I'm guessing the blooms were 4 or 5 inches long.

~huge drifts of these little lavender aster-like flowers~

~ in this area, wild clematis grew up through the trees!
 I googled it, and common names for it are "Old Man's Beard" or "Traveler's Joy".

 ~beautiful seed heads~

No, I didn't fall down at the 2.1 mile mark...LOL 
For some reason, Blogger wants to put this pic sideways, even though it's right side up.  
Only 1/10th mile to go. Whew!
Thanks for coming to the park with us. Have a great Sunday.
Hugs,
Babs

Let's join~ 
The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sunday
A Southern Daydreamer~ Outdoor Wednesday