As I started along the perimeter path at Council Point Park this morning, I could not help but notice that the path was a plethora of wet doggie paw prints. Nearby, the light glaze of frost had been stepped on, was slightly matted down and lacking the frosty covering, no doubt accounting for those medium-sized wet blobs. I suspected the pair of Chocolate Labs, with their owners in tow, had arrived before me today. Sure enough, when I rounded the first bend, there they were, untethered from their respective leashes and frolicking through the wide expanse of the Park, tails just a’waggin’ and they were smilin’ – yes … you have seen dogs smile haven’t you? Their joy at being allowed to roam and run in the Park off-leash rivals that of any kids turned loose in the playground area.

It was a quiet journey today, and except for the Labs and their pet parents, I saw no one else on the Park path. The little alcove was devoid of ducks and they were absent from their alternative spots as well. I saw a branch with a few bedraggled sparrows sitting in a row, and figured they’d appreciate some tasty tidbits of bread so I tossed it on the ground toward their tree. They all flew down at once, grateful for the unexpected treat.

Next, I dragged the bag of peanuts out of my pocket to dispense them to my squirrel buddies. I didn’t see any for a few minutes, but I guesssed that once the squirrels were assured the dogs were far enough away, they spied my zip-loc bag and me so they ventured over to get the scoop on any salty snacks. It seems unbelievable that a mere five days of feeding them peanuts on an every-day basis and they now know me by the moniker of “Peanut Buddy”. I scattered some nuts, and they just went nuts, and soon their family and friends were there for a meet-and-greet and to grab some peanuts as well. Their best method is to go for the gusto – one nut gets placed into one chubby cheek “to go” and the second one is gobbled up on the spot. Those little buggers are much more clever than people give ‘em credit for. Smart as a whip when it comes to their food; unfortunately, not always so smart when they chase one another down from the tree and into the street. I always gasp and look away, then soon I see them scurry back to the curb in the nick of time just before a car zooms by, or perhaps I hear their nails as they shimmy up the tree at the speed of sound. Some are not so lucky of course.

I can’t imagine what the squirrels are eating these days – a few bushes still have berries, but there are no oak trees in the Park, so there are no acorns to munch on and use to bulk up for the long Winter ahead. Soon, I left the little nippers behind and continued walking. The sun was up and cast a pale light on the trail and me as I walked, then I noticed a small shadow on my heels. I turned around and there was one brown squirrel trailing along behind me as if he thought I might perchance adopt him and take him home as a pet. He had such a sweet face and I told him he was lucky that I was down to the dregs of my nut cache, but I had a few just for him. I bent down close to his level and tossed the peanuts toward him. They rolled a little and he seized the opportunity to grab them and vamoose.

Once again I resumed walking, eager to get back on the trail and maximize my miles since it was a beautiful morning. The Park was so quiet and I was enjoying the peace and solitude when suddenly the train gave one extraordinarily loud, shrill whistle and infiltrated my wool-gathering and I nearly flew out of my skin. I would have liked to have another turn around the Park, but my bird and squirrel sessions ate up some of my “me” time so I just headed home, having clocked 3 ½ miles more to add to my grand total of 426 miles so far in 2013. That’s 53 more miles that I have driven. Another 74 more miles to go to reach the 500-mile mark, and still hoping that the weather cooperates, although it may not over the course of the next few days.