It was on overcast day. The weatherman had predicted the storms to roll out of the area by noon.
So I set out with my two companions to capture the beauty of the reserve.
We were set with cameras, umbrellas, and rain jackets.
The wonders of nature is that it is always changing, and there is always something new to discover.
The colors of fall were vibrant and seemingly enhanced by the overcast skies.
Along the main entrance trail we noticed this tall tree, seeming to stand guard over passerbys.
This single stalk of wheat contrasted with the gray sky.
Almost creating its own black and white effect.
The previous rain allowed us to clearly see a large spider web.
The bright green of this stem made it 'pop' against the darker green forest background.
A beautiful early fall forest.
Still clinging to summer leaves with slight changes to yellow.
Blooming flowers found scattered along the trails.
This solitary fallen leaf was intriguing.
We found a cluster of vibrantly colored pecan shells
Some odd looking "balls" on the ground grabbed our attention.
I was surprised to find cactus along the trails.
Despite the rain, we did find a few forest creatures.
A grasshopper
A small frog along the bank of a pond
We found evidence of another animal.
As we headed onto the main Weather Trail from a cut through path, we collided with a large group of elementary students. The students were being led by the on site naturalist, who was busily pointing out various birds and wildlife to the curious students. I was a little envious of the naturalist, as he was spotting wildlife, and I was having a hard time finding any on this overcast day. To my eyes all the wildlife seemed to be hiding or invisible.
All this trekking around made us ravenously hungry, so we decided to take a break for lunch.
On our way out we came across a log dotted with mushrooms.
After lunch my group dwindled from three, then two, then only one. The skies did not look promising. The weatherman had been wrong, and the skies only grew darker with the promise of rain.
As I headed into the reserve it began to lightly sprinkle. No problem for me. A little rain never hurt anyone and besides I had my hooded rain jacket to keep me dry.
But the rain grew heavier.
As I sought shelter under the trees, I was able to capture the accumulated rain dripping off the colorful fall leaves and berries.
I found a log in the forest with signs that decomposers were doing their job.
I found a vine that had grown in a spiral around a tree.
The tree acted as a nice grand finale for this days hike through the reserve.
Pants, shoes, and rain jacket now soaked, I decided it was a good time to head home to a nice warm bowl of soup and fuzzy socks.
I would return again on a sunny day to witness the wonders of the woods.
RSU Day Hike (click image for RSU Reserve slideshow)
Bumblebee
Southwest Trail
Dragonfly Couple
