Lucien Morin Park

My sister Rachel called early this morning. During the course of our conversation, she mentioned wanting to get out for a walk on this beautiful day. She planned on taking her camera along for some pictures and it sounded like too good an opportunity to resist. I asked if I could come too and so Hannah, Rocky, and I met Aunt Rachel at Lucien Morin Park.



To be perfectly honest, I didn't even know there was a "park" at the southern end of Irondequoit Bay. I knew there was a swamp with a creek running through it, and I knew it led to Ellison Park. I know the swamp, creek, and woods were a playground for my dad and his brother when they were kids, and a favorite hunting ground when they were teens. I'd been up the creek in an inflatable canoe years ago, but I knew nothing of it's trails or beauty.

We followed scantily marked trails (colors painted on trees) and found ourselves following a web of trails along the creek. We'd walked quite a distance when I began to think these trail might not go in a loop. (We hadn't checked the map before starting out...) They seemed to be leading us farther and farther into the woods rather than changing direction and taking us back where we'd started.


For a moment we were be- wildered, but Hannah the Fearless Trail Blazer came to our rescue. After assessing the situation for a minute or two she forged ahead and we were soon seeing familiar sights.

I have a passel of pictures. Some are incredibly beautiful, especially with autumn showing her true colors. If the weather wasn't forecast to turn sour overnight, I might seriously consider renting a kayak or canoe tomorrow afternoon. I think taking a paddle up the creek and back again would be stunning. It's something I've thought about doing for four summers now, but a fall trip would be even more incredible.

On our way back out of the park we came upon a bit of wildlife. Hannah had told Rocky not to touch him (because he has germs) and then I came along and picked him right off the ground! (Well, how else was I supposed to get a good picture?) He was the icing on the cake! The perfect end to an autumn hike.

PS. My header picture there at the top is also from today's hike. So pretty!