My boss was out most of the day, and the perfect weather, and his absence, was an excellent opportunity to go for a longer-than-usual trek.

So, while he wended his way back from the family cabin in Wiarton, Ontario, I headed down Emmons Boulevard, passing through Lincoln Park and Wyandotte, until I reached my destination – the River’s Edge Marina in Ecorse.

At first, I almost wished I’d brought along a sweater for that cool air, but, as I ambled along, I picked up my pace a little, and was more comfortable.

The sun is now rising up one minute later every day, so the cooler mornings soon will become the new normal.

I saw my first scarecrow today, and, no, it wasn’t from looking in the mirror when I first got up. It was part of a harvest display, with mini bales of hay and gourds as well.  ‘Tis the season I guess, and it goes fine with the cooler weather.  Next, I passed a house that had swapped its “Trump – Make America Great Again” sign for some rather ghoulish and ghastly creatures as they were the first house on the Boulevard sporting Halloween decorations.

There were a few more firsts to tell you about …

Finally, after months of gazing into the barren-looking Ecorse Creek below the footbridge, a mallard duck appeared. It was a female, and, with her drab and mousy-looking plumage, she blended right into the muddy-colored waters.  But, there she was, nibbling on reeds and enjoying having the entire cove to herself.

Like the Energizer Bunny, I kept going and going, enjoying the cool breeze and the warm sun. I crossed the railroad tracks and headed for the marina.

The marina was a bit desolate, as no one was in the dock areas … humans that is.

At first it seemed this picturesque area was devoid of birds as well, but then this bird pictured above caught my eye. He glided through the air, then landed on a chain link fence and sat still, just like a statue, for the longest time.  I drew the camera slowly out of its case, so I wouldn’t spook him.  He just sat there watching me warily.  I took a few pictures of him at the fence, then all too quickly, he took a notion to skedaddle and spread his wings and took off for parts unknown.  I thought he was gone for good, so I returned the camera to its case, and then suddenly he flew up over the marina a second time for another bird’s eye view I suppose.  This time my eyes followed him ‘til he settled over by the reeds.  I don’t know what type of bird it is –perhaps a baby crane?  Note how long the beak is, and the extremely long legs and big feet – really big feet!

With feet like that you can really go places, although my feet, encased in their heavy walking shoes trod 4 ½ miles today.

Whether it was a bird’s-eye view or at ground level … it was a beautiful day wherever you were.