Cold nights and warm sunny days last week did the trick to coax the trees to show its fall colors.
We took our annual leaf peeping pilgrimage to Foster Falls this past Sunday. The foliage didn't take our breath away, but there were some trees with striking vibrant colors.
Apparently Foster Falls is a premier destination for rock climbing in the Southern U.S. On this lovely Sunday, three groups of rock climbers were in action. We sat and watch them for a while. It was the perfect stop to admire the view and rest, before the uphill hike to the top of the falls. We were at the halfway point on the moderate 2 mile climbers loop trail.
admiring the rock climbers' skills
Looking at Foster Falls from the top
Viewing platform across the falls
Entrance to Foster Falls Park
Check out falls and rock climbers in action in this video
We had planned to bike in St Pete downtown Saturday, but it was so hot we decided to just walk around. It was quite busy as the Saturday morning market had re-opened for the season earlier this month. The Reggae Rise Up Music Festival was in full swing at the Vinoy Park, and music wafted across the water. Many boats were anchored, some tied up together in front of the park. We enjoyed a nice leisurely walk along the Pier, and a pizza lunch at the Spa Beach Bistro.
The evening was a tad cooler, so we started our biking at the Seminole section of the Pinellas Trail, passing by a KOA RV campground. As we biked across a bridge, we stopped to soak in the scenery . A cute floating Tiki bar was going out for a sunset cruise.
The KOA campground got treats for you.
We read that the most scenic part of the Pinellas Trail is north of St Pete, from Dunedin to Tarpon Springs. Next time we will attempt to bike that area. Until then, Happy Halloween, y'all!
Friends took us to Old Stone Fort State Park this summer, and we liked it so much we returned this past weekend. We arrived just before noon, and were lucky to find a parking space. It was packed. Conveniently located off Interstate 24, and about an hour's drive from Nashville, Old Stone Fort is very popular. The 400 acre Native American site has lots of history, complete with a museum, at least a dozen picnic tables, a pavilion, a small playground, and hiking trails to some amazing waterfalls.
Blue Hole Falls
Big Falls
Entrance to museum
one of the exhibits inside the museum
After a picnic lunch, we hiked the entire loop, a 1.4 miles around the ancient enclosure. The trails are easy. Getting up close and personal with the falls requires a little work, but nothing too strenuous. Our jaws dropped when we came upon the breathtaking Step Falls. Just thinking about dipping in the water on a hot summer day was invigorating!
The longest yard sale is back on this year! Always fun to look, even happier to find treasures at a steal! Don't you agree?
On the hiking front, we were shocked to see the falls at Foster Falls almost dry. The heat wave last week must have done it. We had hiked Foster Falls over the July 4 weekend, and not only were the waterfalls quite full, the place was packed!
Now you see it
Now you don't
This amazing sunflower captivated our attention the last several days. We're thrilled to see it transform from a mere seed to a plant over 5 feet tall.
That means summer is in full swing. Prime time for alfresco dining, barbecues and fresh produce.
We have been the lucky recipients of farm fresh vegetables from our neighbors' gardens. We've gotten zucchini, yellow squash, cucumbers, banana peppers, radishes, green beans, tomatoes, beets and potatoes. First time tasting radish, and I liked it! This pretty pink little tuber with light green leaves is reminiscent of summer (think Lily Pulitzer colors!) It is crunchy and has a pungent peppery flavor, like horseradish. If you like crunchy salads, try this combo - radish, carrots and red cabbage topped with a light vinaigrette. Refreshing and great for summertime picnics!
green beans, radish, green tomatoes
Radish carrot red cabbage salad
beets!
zucchini and yellow squash
Also, this time of year, wild blackberries by the riverbank are starting to ripen. I kayaked over to pick some early this morning. Great in a smoothie or blackberry jam (there's a great recipe in my post Small is beautiful).
.JPG "Fall Foliage at the Great Smoky Mountains National Park")
.JPG "Small is beautiful")