A Walk in the Park

After almost a week of daily rains, we finally had a warm and sunny day. I decided to put it to good use and get in a long hike through Wickham Park. After a quick shower and my morning meditation, I slipped out into the pleasant morning air and made my way down to the ground floor. I went out the back of my building and along the lake (pond) behind where one can regularly see ducks, ibises, and other birds taking their morning swim. I crossed over Post Road and into the park. Once inside I began encountering all kinds of friendly animals. The first was a Great Blue Heron who was patiently waiting along a canal bank for passing fish to be caught for its breakfast. I greeted it with the honor such a great bird deserves. We exchanged glances and tips of the head but no words were spoken. Heron is patient, quiet and wise but rarely has anything to say. Very soon after, as I made my way through thick palm fronds, I encountered a gentle turtle enjoying the cool morning shade. At first it shied from my approach and retreated into its shell but after I stopped to share my presence, it slowly came out to share its own. Turtle has been on this earth for so long that it relishes in the most minute detail and always takes its time. We as well took our own sweet time together before I moved on.