Preserve in fall

Bringing a dog along always heightens the enthusiasm level of a nature walk. But Lucy wasn’t the only one who enjoyed the great outdoors at the university nature preserve yesterday.

My daughter and I encountered numerous other explorers despite the college’s fall break — people like us, soaking in the color and warmth as winter looms not far around the corner.

A light breeze rippled the water’s surface. Wood ducks and geese floated further off, out of the field of view, avoiding the paparazzi.

We often see little stacks of rocks, tree trunks with initials carved into them, and letter boxes or painted rocks in the woods. I decided to make my own little tribute with the leaves I couldn’t resist picking up, but didn’t have any purpose for if I took them home. Here they are, all lined up for their class picture.