Until recently I rarely visited the beautiful downtown park, “parked” right in the center of the city where I live.  Starting in September, I discovered the error of my ways and began walking there with a friend.  When she is out of town I walk alone.

One October morning I experienced everything one might see over the course of a week of walks.   I saw:

— a group of 10 photographers searching for just the right subjects for close-ups.  I slowed down to check out a few of the objects they were shooting. One came up with a single leaf floating in the canal, and another the pattern carved in a stone on a walkway. None of these were interesting subjects when viewed through my camera lens, but who knows what novel approaches these photographers might be taking.

— eight dogs in training.  They sat up alertly, two per bench, waiting for the signal to tell them what to do next.  Other dogs not part of the group walked past the trainees in single file, hugging the canal wall, not sure how close they should get to these novices at obedience.

— two friends who introduced me to their walking partners and commented that they read my blogs in the local weekly paper, a revelation that always thrills me.

— a man who comes regularly to make bird-like sounds.  I don’t know whether he’s really imitating a bird call or why he sings as if he were a continuous loop recording, but it’s lovely.

— a wedding party photo shoot.  The morning saved the best until last. On the last loop, I spotted five bridesmaids and five groomsmen waiting for the photographer, who followed the bride and groom as they circled a fountain.  Picture this.  Forty-eight degrees outside and the bridesmaids shivering in short-sleeved, satin dresses.   The groomsmen in tuxes appeared less affected by the temperature and the bridal couple strolled oblivious to the cold.

Of course, autumn colors framed the experience.  What more is there to say?