October Shores
“There is something in October sets the gypsy blood astir;
We must rise and follow her,
When from every hill of flame
She calls and calls each vagabond by name.”
Phase 1. Walden Ponds.
Yes there are phases tonight.
Here we encounter October, amid the clear blue autumn skies of Boulder, along the paths and boardwalks of Walden Ponds; or more specifically, the Walden Ponds Wildlife Sanctuary. This place lies adjacent to the Boulder County water treatment plant, an airport or two, and several farms. According to Wikipedia, the area was “reclaimed between 1974 and the 1990s from an open-pit gravel mine” and transformed into a sanctuary. Considering the industrial surroundings, the views at this place are spectacular, with tall cottonwoods and other trees obscuring the surrounding roads and factories.
We walked 2.4 miles on very flat paths. Saw some ducks, a couple of bald eagles, and one or two great blue herons. Lots of leaves turning gold. Golden sunset light. Blue sky. No wind.
Phase 2. Sancho’s Mexican Restaurant.
Just six minutes drive from the trailhead was Sancho’s. We sat on the patio and chowed down on burritos, chimichangas, rice, and beans. This was our narrator’s second time out since the pandemic; an auspicious occasion.
All in all, another successful BNO.