We’re finally seeing some fall action here in San Jose, which for us means cloudy skies and temperatures south of 50 F (10C). It also means perfect hiking weather!
Almaden Quicksilver trail view
My walking partner cancelled this week, so I took myself up to the Quicksilver trail for a ninety-minute hike. I love social hikes, but now and again, it’s great to go alone. I’m able to tune in more to the nature around me, to see things that I might have missed.
On my recent hike, I noticed the number of fences running along the trail head and into the hills as I climbed. Wooden fence posts seemed to be re-joining the landscape. Once tall trees, whittled into fence posts, forgot all about formalities. They were gradually returning to a natural state.
Like the understudy in a play waiting in the wings, here was their chance to shine. Each fence post took on shape and character, gathering moss, lichen and weathered decay. Fences meant to keep trespassers out quietly invited small guests in. Signs of a woodpecker, insects and moss were everywhere. I had the sense that if i lingered awhile, those fences would tell me a story. That perhaps I wasn’t alone after all.
If those fences could talk, what do you think they would say?
Halloween Countdown:
All dressed up: Lacy pumpkin
Gardening Nirvana 
We need to plan a walk/hike soon!
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Yes. I would love that.
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What a beautifully poetic post – I love when someone notices what we may so easily miss and gives it new life ….. you did this for me today and I thank you! 🙂
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Pauline, thanks so much. What a lovely thing to say.
I’m way behind on my reading , but hope to catch up this weekend. I hope you are well. Xox
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Gorgeous landscape, and the fences add such a rustic charm, don’t they? Beautiful!
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Thanks so much. They do add charm don’t they. And the deer and wild turkeys simply jump over or go under the wire.
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Love that photo of the post covered in lichen … and the lacy pumpkin too
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Thanks, LB. I was actually thinking of you when I approached that first fence. I remember the amazing photo of the spider between rails.
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Beautiful pics! Any time you need a hiking buddy, I’m interested! I love Almaden Quicksilver park, but don’t find myself getting there often.
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Darlene that is great to hear. Thanks for letting me know.
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I love your reflections and the photographs of the fences. Very inspiring. I have also been looking for a quick way to decorate the pumpkins on the front walkway. I love, love your idea of covering it with lacy fabric! Pinning! ~Thea
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Thanks so much. I love what I see through the camera lens. It often distills life into smaller, super-charged moments, if that makes sense.
Thanks for pinning! You’re a doll. That bit of lace is a table runner, so it can be put to use in other ways as well. It doesn’t take much to wrap a pumpkin and it was fun. Please share pics if you dress up your own.
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Oh my gosh, what a awesome bit of writing hon! I so enjoyed my read xo
Sometimes it’s fun to think about who or what has wandered by a rusty old fence. Maybe after a long flight, a tired little bird sat there to rest a bit and think about the coming winter that’d bring some renewed freshness to the land. I think that fence might have said the same thing to you as it said to the bird, “Hello, why not rest here a bit. I may look old and tired but I’m glad you’ve stopped by, I was lonely”.
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Thanks so much! I’m glad you think so.
I like the idea of the fence chatting with the birds. The cracked wood probably houses some tasty bird treats, too. You’re sweet, always thinking of the birds. I got a great shot of a blue jay on Wednesday, too. It looked so bright against all the grey.
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You might be right, I’ve always loved birds. I never really thought about it before I started writing. I always gravitate to bird decor items, art with birds and stories about birds. I wonder what that means? Maybe WordPress is good therapy, LOL.
I’ll watch for your beautiful Blue Jay photo 😀
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Oh man…I should have taken you to the Wild Bird store when you were here. Next time for sure. Lots of cute squirrel things too.
I think of birds as symbolizing freedom, the ability to fly, to soar. They’re also graceful and beautiful. There is a lot to like, so I’m not surprised.
WordPress is excellent therapy…and so much more! 🙂
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I love old wooden fences like I love craggy old people. They hold so much wisdom in the crevices. What stories they can tell. I have a hard time not putting pieces of fence in my pockets. Mostly they tell the stories of those that passed them by without noticing.
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Wisdom in the crevices. That sounds like a blog post in the making, Marlene.
I love that you pick up pieces of fence. Do you use them in art projects? Sometimes I slip little found objects into my garden or a house plant. Then I re-discover it and enjoy it all over again.
Lovely sentiments, you!
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