Autumn Walk in the Park

During our long rainy spell, we were unable to get out much. Now that the rains have moved on, I've resumed my walks, mostly in the neighborhood. But Tuesday afternoon, Donna and I went out to San Angelo State Park for a 5 mile walk.

It was an overcast day, perfect for walking. Donna wore a light jacket, which she shed halfway into the walk, and I wore long sleeves, which I eventually rolled up.

As we approached the entrance gate, we saw a large number of vehicles in a parking area just off the road. At the gate, we learned this was a geology class from ASU (Angelo State University) that was visiting a couple of areas in the park. It's great that the university is taking advantage of this wonderful resource available to them.

I just love this open country, with its rugged scenery, buttes, and hills. 

We parked next to the playground in the Red Arroyo Campground area and took off on our regular walk, which is highlighted in yellow below.

Our route takes us up and down 2 or 3 good hills, past 2 campgrounds, and near the lake. It's a good 5 mile walk.

I enjoy walking at the park, especially during the week when there aren't many people there. We can enjoy the solitude of the place just minutes from our home. Below are numerous pictures I snapped, showing some of the color still in the park.

I'm not an expert on prickly pear cactus by any means, so correct me if I'm wrong, but I think these purple projections are often called the fruit of the prickly pear. They -- and all parts of the prickly pear, as I understand -- are edible.

This plant was next to the prickly pear above, and it had these little berries on it. I've no idea what they are.

I think this is some sort of rabbit brush. It was everywhere, but had a nice bright color.

I've no idea what this white flowering plant is, but it is quite common in the park. Notice the rabbit brush to the right.

These purple colored spears are common, but they are losing their color and leaves. Again, note the rabbit brush in the left background.

We scared a white tailed deer near the end of our walk, and we saw a large number of scissor tail flycatchers throughout the park. I love the salmon color on their bellies, and they have a beautiful little face.

This little rascal seemed to be posing as it stared right at me while I snapped the photo.

This picture does a better job of showing the markings and color.

It certainly is nice to be able to get outside again.