On the paths that crisscross my neighborhood, there are wild things down by the creek, and tame things that hang over the back yard fences. This Cécile Brunner rose was a welcome sight; I stopped for a spell to pull a branch down to my face and sniff. We removed our own C.B. not long ago so I’m thankful to share this one, glad the owner doesn’t mind, or doesn’t notice, it trailing in a friendly way over the fence.
I’m trying to try, to resist my sedentary ways and go for more walks in the neighborhood, just normal brisk walks — or slower if my camera is along — of the sort humans have liked to do in many times and places, before the days when so many of us had gym memberships.
After passing by several tall Coast Redwood trees with bright new needles, about five minutes from my house I come to a bridge across the creek. It crosses right where two creeks come together, right in the middle of town.
From the bridge there’s a view of the unpaved path closer to the creek, where you can walk free of bicycle and stroller traffic.
Roses, honeysuckle, figs and potato vine hang over the fences at various points.
This fig tree used to dangle its fruit lower down where I could actually eat some in season, but now it’s too tall.
Where the path intersects a major road I like to look down from another bridge to see this lush growth in the creek bed. After the creek bed dries up in the middle of summer, the fennel and blackberries and willows will still be making it green down there, and eucalyptus trees will hang over the paths for shade.
When I turn around and cross to the east side of that road, I can look up toward the hills that are the source of those creeks. On this morning the fog was staying late up there, so you can’t see the tops of the hills.
But in this next picture you can see the line of trees revealing where one creek runs down.
There’s a giant old rosebush at the edge of the field, which makes some lovely blooms in spite of being neglected by men.
I’ve seen two varieties of salsify along the path this spring — or at least two colors. A mountain woman friend of mine used to dig salsify roots to cook for a vegetable, but I never think about that plant until the flowers are blooming, at which point I’m pretty sure the roots would be tough.
My walking loop brings me past the neighborhood school and park, where our children used to climb these redwood trees — no mean feat — in the days before the city started trimming off the lower branches.
And then I’m passing by that first bridge again, and almost home. If I haven’t stopped to take too many pictures, it’s only taken me an hour.
Gladsome Lights 
Beautiful! So green it makes me thirsty!
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What a lovely walk, filled with God’s beautiful creation, His love and peace.
Thank you for sharing ~ FlowerLady
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Mmmmm. What a lovely tour! I saw a salsify bloom for the first time last weekend. What a burst of blue.
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What beauty you find along your walking paths. I’m enamored by the large white rambling rose bush. We don’t see anything like that here, but we do have some wild prairie roses that bloom fairly low to the ground. Everything is low to the ground here due to wind, I think. The fig tree intrigues me too. I’m always buying dried figs for myself and for my grandkids to snack on when they are here. Thanks for taking me along on your beautiful walk.
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I find the most difficult part about walking is putting my shoes on and getting out the door. Once I’m on the move I feel great! And then there’s the sense of virtuous satisfaction upon arriving home knowing that you’ve done well by your body and mind.
Beautiful sights along your walk.
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I do enjoy seeing your photos of the vegetation that doesn’t grow here. I too feel as though I’ve been on a tour in another corner of God’s creation. Thank you.
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Thanks for sharing your thoughts and photos! Like you I like a walk, especially through the places where few people go, as it gives time to rest and refresh. I’m glad you are being creative with your time and sharing your talents! Bless you today!
Leslie
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I used to like walking alone, so I could have a time to speak with our God who is “everywhere present and fills all things.” Then I remembered an important truth: where “two or more are [togethered] …” So it was very peasant and inspiring to take a walk with you this morning, Gretchen. I’ll bring my Mary Anne along next time.
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Since I didn’t drive when I lived in your area I was able to jaunt from one place to another using those creek trails. When we moved to Folsom we lived on another creek path. Just love them.
Our drought had ended in a season of flooding here! The trees have really greened up.
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so peaceful and lovely! I always enjoy reading things here. Sending love and hugs!
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How wonderful for a creek and for the people of your community to have had the wisdom to maintain trails alongside it! I’m rather quite jealous of how such a lovely walk is within walking distance. I am resolved this summer to find some nice walking paths within a short driving distance.
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