Really not very wild at all, but the path where I took a long walk last week is about as wild as we get these days. The area around this section of the river path is a little less-developed than the part closer to our home.
I drove about a mile and a half to a parking lot to start this walk . So it is really sort of within walking distance, but then I'd be too tired to actually do the nature part by the time I got there. Which would definitely spoil the purpose.
The path goes along the Willamette River and some of the ponds created when old gravel pits were reclaimed by the City. The river bike/walk path system and the Delta Ponds are definitely two of the best things about Eugene.
The usual ducks -- and lots of them. But for some reason they didn't want to swim very close to the people path.
Great Blue Heron
Western Pond Turtles
So many turtles! They were everywhere. I counted over twenty on one log.
American Coot
The weather has been lovely. March went out just the way it came in -- like a lamb. We are thankful for that! In the "tamer" neighborhoods around home, more Spring flowers bloom every day. We continue to enjoy our first real Spring-like Spring in many years. (Because we've been in Florida and Florida is different.)
Tulip Magnolia
(This one is at our daughter's and son-in-law's home.)
LINKING THIS WEEK to the following sharing opportunities:
MOSAIC MONDAY; NATURE NOTES; THROUGH MY LENS; OUR WORLD ON TUESDAY; MY CORNER OF THE WORLD; SIGNS SIGNS; THANKFUL THURSDAY; SKYWATCH FRIDAY; FRIDAY BLISS; SATURDAY CRITTERS; and RATHER B' BIRDING
A gorgeous hike! I'm glad you took us along.
Amalia
xo
Posted by: handmade by amalia | April 11, 2021 at 05:24 AM
Lucky you to have such scenic walking paths close to home. I love all those turtles. I wonder why so many? Could it be turtle mating season? Don't they know to social distance?
Posted by: Barb | April 10, 2021 at 11:44 AM
Surely it must be an unexpected bonus of the pandemic that you have been able to discover the joy of a spring on the west coast - quite different from Florida as you point out - but at least you don't have to listen to that rightwing demagogue DeSantis on the news every night!
Posted by: David M. Gascoigne | April 10, 2021 at 03:20 AM
Hello Sallie,
It is nice be enjoying a walk and seeing all things nature. I love the Herons, Ducks and the turtles all lined up on the log. The tulips magnolias are lovely blooms. Beautiful photos. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, have a happy weekend!
Posted by: EileeninMD | April 10, 2021 at 02:04 AM
Lovely shots of al the critters and I love the Magnolia blooms. Have a lovely weekend and stay safe.
Posted by: Margaret Adamson | April 09, 2021 at 10:01 PM
I am looking forward to going on some longer outdoor walks, but for now have been content with city walks. This is called mud season here in New England and some of the forested paths are still a bit muddy. You definitely have more blooms than around this area, Sallie.
Posted by: Beatrice | April 09, 2021 at 11:53 AM
I've been seeing turtles all lined up here too. So cute. One turtle here even climbed high up on a branch. There's always one that isn't like the others. Thanks for pointing out my extra "m" (:
Posted by: Sharon Wagner | April 09, 2021 at 06:58 AM
Great shots.
Posted by: Jim, Sydney, Australia | April 09, 2021 at 01:22 AM
Stunning magnolias and the many turtles on the log look amazing! This spring I hate the Finnish weather - it is so cold. Nothing else to do than wait. Have a niceweekend Sallie.
Posted by: riitta k | April 09, 2021 at 12:21 AM
Very beautiful, you capture the moment dozens of turtles sunbathing on the wood .. ,, for me the moment is extraordinary because I have never seen a turtle in the wild.
Have a super week!
Posted by: Himawan Sant | April 08, 2021 at 07:04 PM
Ah, the road less traveled. Good for you! A beautiful walk and I enjoyed your photos. So many turtles!
Posted by: Peter B. | April 08, 2021 at 01:30 PM
I am seeing bees out here and there isn't anything much in the way of flowers yet....love all the nature photos....
Posted by: Michelle Banks | April 07, 2021 at 09:26 PM
Good shots.
Posted by: Jim, Sydney, Australia | April 07, 2021 at 06:36 PM
I'm loving how the gravel pits have been turned into wetland areas for wildlife, we need more of those in our world.
Posted by: Amy Franks | April 07, 2021 at 12:16 PM
A bale of turtles, they say! This is forsythia season here. Hello Yello!
Posted by: colleen Looseleaf | April 07, 2021 at 07:26 AM
Lovely signs of Spring. Love all those turtles on the log, so cute.
Posted by: Sami | April 07, 2021 at 07:25 AM
That's a lovely selection of birds!
Posted by: craftygreenpoet | April 07, 2021 at 07:16 AM
...I love the turtles. There's spot where I use to see them sunny themselves on a log, but they seem to have found a new spot.
Posted by: tomthebackroadstraveller | April 07, 2021 at 04:05 AM
What a fun trip out. You saw some great sights and I am always grateful you share them with us. Thank you Sallie :)
Posted by: DeniseinVA | April 07, 2021 at 03:30 AM
You are making the most of experiencing Spring this year. Maybe next time you go on that walk you will see lots of ducklings. The magnolia is a real scene stealer.
Posted by: Fun60 | April 07, 2021 at 12:00 AM
Ohhh, the blooming trees steal the show!
We still have snow.
So... good to see yours, enjoy!
Posted by: Iris Flavia | April 06, 2021 at 10:13 PM
A perfect spot for a walk to see the ducks and turtles and drink in the scenery!
Happy Wednesday, Sallie!
Posted by: Veronica Lee | April 06, 2021 at 10:06 PM
So lovely to go for a walk and see so many signs of spring. Turtles on a log are a great sight that always makes me smile. Love the tulip magnolia!
Posted by: Lorrie | April 06, 2021 at 05:06 PM
Great Walk and Spring in every shot, It got hot here today so I predict a short spring right into the inferno, enjoy it while you got it...Happy week.
Posted by: Sondra | April 06, 2021 at 04:53 PM
Your daughter's magnolia is beautiful! I went searching for turtles today too. Found a bunch of them perched on a log in a pond. Red-eared sliders.
Posted by: Laurie | April 06, 2021 at 01:43 PM
Buenos habitantes hay en esas aguas.
Las fotos son una preciosidad.
Posted by: Antonia | April 06, 2021 at 01:28 PM
Wow turtles! I ones saw seaturtels in Greek in the ocean. Amazing animals.
Posted by: Lillian | April 06, 2021 at 09:50 AM
Hello Sallie
Thank you for taking me on a wander with you, loved all those turtles sunbathing on the log. It reminded me of the turtle nest we found at our beach recently.
Have a lovely week
Posted by: Little Wandering Wren | April 06, 2021 at 05:30 AM
It's spring again, phew, I love the spring. The sweet flowers, the lambs, the flapping of wings butterflies and the birds makes their nests.
Posted by: Bob Bushell | April 06, 2021 at 01:44 AM
What a wonderful place to hike to enjoy the ducks and surrounding nature. Beautiful Tulip Magnolia. Have a great day!
Posted by: Nancy Chan | April 06, 2021 at 12:30 AM
Hope you have had a good eastertime. Now we look forward, what comes next.
Happy MosaicMonday
Posted by: Heidrun Stallwanger | April 05, 2021 at 11:14 PM
Nice place to hike. The blooms are gorgeous!
Posted by: Shiju Sugunan | April 05, 2021 at 09:58 PM
How lovely are trees in bloom! I love that heron too.
Posted by: Linda W | April 05, 2021 at 09:34 PM
I enjoy paths like these. Fun to see the Great Blue Heron. That tulip magnolia is so pretty. Have a great week!
Posted by: ellen b. | April 05, 2021 at 08:28 PM
Hernoso lugar adore los patitos y las magnolias tulipan. Te mando un beso y te deseo una buena semana
Posted by: Citu | April 05, 2021 at 07:28 PM
I have seen coot only once in Eastern California and I don't know what they were at first. So many beautiful birds out there.
Happy Spring!
Posted by: Photo Cache | April 05, 2021 at 06:36 PM
Sure looks like a delightful Spring.
Posted by: Gaelyn | April 05, 2021 at 01:27 PM
Great variety of photos, Sallie. Love seeing all those turtles hanging out on the log. :) Have a wonderful week.
Posted by: bill burke | April 05, 2021 at 01:26 PM
Ooooo ... I would love to see those turtles in person. Haha ... funny thing about Eugene vs Florida as we can't appreciate spring if we haven't first experienced winter.
Posted by: Penelope Notes | April 05, 2021 at 01:11 PM
You have such beauty there in the Spring. We drive to some trailheads that are close by but you're right...if we walked there we would be to tired to walk the trail! lol Enjoy your week and the lovely weather!
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | April 05, 2021 at 11:40 AM
What a beautiful Magnolia! I love them very much!
Posted by: Calendula | April 05, 2021 at 09:23 AM
What a beautiful walk Sallie! I love seeing those turtles, it's so rare for me to see them here. The heron shot is wonderful! :)
Posted by: Rain Frances | April 05, 2021 at 07:16 AM
Oh what a lovely place to walk and fantastic nature photos ~ so well done ~ Xo
Living moment by moment,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Posted by: A ShutterBug Explores | April 05, 2021 at 06:48 AM
Happy Easter. Luv your pond turtle pics best today
much love...
Posted by: Gillena Cox | April 05, 2021 at 05:50 AM
Hello Sallie,
I enjoyed this walk, the Magnolia blooms are lovely. Great shots of the Heron and all the ducks. The line up of turtles is a cute sight! The pond is a great habitat for the wildlife. Take care, have a great day and a happy new week!
Posted by: EileeninMD | April 05, 2021 at 03:24 AM
Even if a pond is man-made, nature comes to enjoy it. Lovely photos today.
Posted by: Carol | April 05, 2021 at 01:44 AM
Sallie - I am always fascinated by turtles on logs. I imaging them saying "You first. No, after you. How kind, thank you!" I know you would probably prefer to be in Florida by now, but it seems you are making the most of your TRUE spring! I am blessed to have you share your stories with Mosaic Monday - thank you!
Posted by: Angie | April 04, 2021 at 08:06 PM
Very nice having a variety of "wild" and "tame" interconnected routes. I'm intrigued by your trail system. People really need a place to get out and see things and get away from traffic.
Posted by: Alan Bates | April 04, 2021 at 07:03 PM
Isn't it funny how a walk on the wild side has changed as we've aged lol. Beautiful photos and I love that gorgeous Tulip Magnolia. I'm so glad you are enjoying a real spring again. Most definitely much different here in Florida. Have a fantastic week Sallie!
Posted by: Martha | April 04, 2021 at 05:12 PM