Thursday, July 31, 2008

Duck Pond


I saw these ducks in the lake in Woodland Hills. There were about a dozen of them. I don't know of any type of birds I like more. Ducks are something you can just sit and watch for hours and be at peace. Sometimes an adventure is one of the most relaxing things.

Heaven For Everyone

If there is a heaven, there must be places like this there. This lake is a fascinating place. I've seen so many types of plants and animals here. Anybody would have a good time here. There are so many things to see in just this picture alone. If you live anywhere near Farmington Hills, you have to go see this.

Wednesday, July 30, 2008

This Could Be Heaven

I thought this picture was pretty good. I am coming from the trail in the darkness into the light. The bench there is for viewing something wonderful. I'm sure you have a good idea what that is. The transition of the end of one adventure to the beginning of another.

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Riddle

Question:
Look at me. I can bring a smile to your face, A tear to your eye, Or even a thought to your mind. But, I can't be seen. What am I?

Answer:
Your Memories.

Hot N Ready...In 15 Minutes

I decided to get pizza over the weekend, so I went to Little Caesars on 11 Mile Rd. and Middlebelt in Farmington Hills. I asked for a couple of their Hot N Ready pizzas. The ones that are supposed to be ready when you get there. I wasn't surprised when they said it'd be about 10 minutes. I don't eat pizza that often in recent years, but this place, about half the time I go, doesn't seem to have anything ready. Well I waited their 10 minutes, and still nothing. Finally after 15, the pizzas were hot and ready. I don't like to complain too much if they're being polite, which they were, but I'm tired of things like this not being as they're advertised. I'm sure Little Caesars Enterprises, Inc. didn't intend for things to happen like this, and probably doesn't even know. There could be all sorts of reasons this continues to happen, but you would think they would fix it after a while. Maybe I'll try Domino's next time.

Oh Deer!

Today, I was walking along the nature trails, and having a relaxing time, when a woman stopped me and asked if I was still taking pictures. I said I was, and she told me there were three deer where she just came from. I walked over there and this is what I found. It looks like it's posing for me, but it really didn't like me standing so close to it for very long. I decided to leave it in peace and went home happy to have had another fun adventure.

Monday, July 28, 2008

A Creative Man

"A creative man is motivated by the desire to achieve, not by the desire to beat others."
Ayn Rand

Liberty

"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."
Benjamin Franklin, Nov 11, 1755

Nightshade


This nice looking plant is a type of nightshade called solanum dulcamara. Solanum dulcamara (bittersweet, bitter nightshade, blue bindweed, climbing nightshade, fellenwort, felonwood, poisonberry, poisonflower, scarlet berry, snakeberry, trailing bittersweet, trailing nightshade, violet bloom or, woody nightshade) is poisonous to humans and livestock, but not birds. Birds eat them and then spread the seeds around all over the place. The berries and the leaves are both poisonous. You've most likely seen these plenty of times before, maybe in your backyard. Tomatoes and potatos are related to these, and they were both at one time thought to be poisonous, but happily we found out differently. These berries even look like little tomatoes. These are some of the plants you might find on an adventure at a nature trail, so be careful. Have fun, but don't touch the plants.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

Is there anybody home?

HELLO....Hello...hello. Is there anybody in there? "Comment" if you can hear me.

Just a pink joke.

Saturday, July 26, 2008

Field Of Dreams

This really is like a dream. It reminds me of something you'd see in a fantasy story, or maybe one of those hedge mazes. That would be fun to explore. Here, you come out of the thick dark forest into this. The path is mowed so you can get through. I wonder when they do that. It is like waking into a fantasy world.

Friday, July 25, 2008

Woodland Hills Creek

I love to watch the water flow down a creek. When I was a kid, there was a creek by our house that we used to go play in during the summer. Sometimes I think that was the best time of my life. That was when I first remember exploring the woods and the water. We followed that creek from the source, to where it became a pretty good sized river that you'd have to swim to get across. I still remember it like it was yesterday.

Thursday, July 24, 2008

Peaceful Path

You can see here what Woodland Hills is mostly about. The front area is full of trails like this. Sometimes you feel like you're the only person in the world when you're here. I love walking in the woods. Your footsteps sound so loud when you're alone. Sometimes I just stop and stare at the trees. This is a great peaceful feeling.

Freedom Of Thought

"Without Freedom of Thought, there can be no such thing as Wisdom; and no such thing as public Liberty, without Freedom of Speech."

Benjamin Franklin, The New England Courant, Jul. 9, 1722

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Elves?

I saw this tree and almost expected to see elves coming out of it. Maybe they were hiding today. I have other pictures of this tree, but I like this one. Did I hear little voices? Hey, gimme some cookies, fellas.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Stopping To Rest

Benches like this one are scattered throughout the Woodland Hills trails. If you need to rest you won't have to wait long here. This is the first bench you'll see here. When I got here today there was an older man and woman sitting here. We had a nice conversation. They told me they preferred this park to Heritage Park. They said they liked it because it was more peaceful and there weren't as many people here. They asked how far back I was going, and I told them I was going clear to the back. The woman then urged me to get a trail map, and said the same a few more times. I reassured her by letting her know I had been coming here for a few years, and I knew my way around pretty well. She was surprised to find out there was a pond in the back. They asked where I was from, and we found out we only lived a few miles apart. We talked a little more before I moved on. Nice people. You never know what you'll find when you're on an adventure. This was a little pleasant surprise. Maybe sometime I'll have to work up the courage to ask to take pictures of some of the people I meet along the way.

Monday, July 21, 2008

Enter The Trail

This should give you some idea what the Woodland Hills trail is about. Lots of things to see here. Look at the trail closely. This is as civilized as this one gets. On the left of this picture there is a box with trail maps. Take one, you might need it. If you want to have a nature adventure, this is the place.

Saturday, July 19, 2008

Suggestions?


As I go on these adventures every day, I look for things that other people might not have thought of. When I find something new I go see if there is anything of interest there. Who knows? I might find my new favorite thing. Well, I started thinking about it, and I realized that maybe other people have had some good local adventures of their own. Maybe things I'd pass by and not see. So I decided to take a few requests. If anybody has an everyday adventure they want to see here, leave a comment below describing it the best you can. If I go on a suggested adventure, I will take pictures and show them on this site. If I pick yours, I'll be sure to give you credit in the post.

So, make a suggestion in the comments section below. I'm confident somebody must have something fun they'd like to share.

Softball

Here's something to do most summer days. Watch a softball game. You could maybe play in one if you find a team. The team in blue won the championship shortly after this picture was taken. The star of the team is one of my favorite people.

Friday, July 18, 2008

Happiness

"Achievement of your happiness is the only moral purpose of your life, and that happiness, not pain or mindless self-indulgence, is the proof of your moral integrity, since it is the proof and the result of your loyalty to the achievement of your values." Ayn Rand

Help Yourself

"God helps them that helps themselves."
Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard's Almanac

Thursday, July 17, 2008

First Deer


I was walking along this trail and there it was. It was standing there as if it were posing for me. My first deer! This is why I'm doing this. What a great feeling this is. I only got two similar shots and when I looked again it was gone. This is what makes a great adventure, and something positive that adds to the improving story of my life.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

My Favorite Bridge

I like to go to this bridge and look out at the water and think. There was someone I used to know, who would always ask me what I did when I wasn't with her. I would describe the parks and the nature trails to her. I always wanted her to go along, but this wasn't her kind of thing. I would tell her about seeing animals of all kinds. I would tell her about looking off this bridge into the water and watching hundreds of fish swim by. We would joke about different things each other did when we weren't together. One time, I was telling her about these trails, and she asked me in a teasing voice, "Did you see the little fishies?". Now, every time I look into the water from this bridge, I think of her, and it makes me happy.

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

Love Of Life

"Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that's the stuff life is made of."
Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard's Almanac

Finding Interesting Places

A place like Heritage Park is nice to go and look around, and It's close to me. I know it's not close by for everyone. Anyone can find places like this, close to them, by searching their town's website for parks. In the future I'll show more than parks and nature, even though they're some of my favorites. For people who are close to the places I'll be showing, I encourage you to go see them for yourself. As I show new things, if they have websites, I'll put links to them here, so anyone get get more information. Searching the web works for some things, but for others just go out and look around. Looking for new things is half the fun. I might see something interesting on my way home from work, or going to another place I discovered. Most people see these places and don't bother to stop, but there's hidden fun they're missing. Don't miss these new things. Stop and look. Go and see. Take a friend, take five friends, or go alone. It doesn't matter how you do it. It only matters that you have a good time. The best part is that you can visit these places every day.

Monday, July 14, 2008

Heritage Park Rocks

I saw these rocks and thought they would make a nice picture. I was right. They're at the end of one of the parking areas in Heritage Park. I took this on my way to another section of the nature trails. There are a lot of things to see on this upcoming section, but I'll be looking for something specific this time.

Sunday, July 13, 2008

Barn

This barn is in Heritage Park. I'm not sure if they are in the middle of painting it, or if it's supposed to look that way. I keep returning to this park because there are so many things to see. I've been going here for a few years now, and I discover new places all the time. The best thing is that it's only a few miles from where I live, so I can go here every day.

Talent

"Hide not your talents, they for use were made. What's a sun-dial in the shade?"
Benjamin Franklin

Saturday, July 12, 2008

Outside City Hall

This is more from outside Farmington Hills City Hall. If you walk across the bridge, it will take to the fountain. The whole area looks peaceful and relaxing. A good place to walk around and explore.

Friday, July 11, 2008

Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Death!

"It is in vain, sir, to extenuate the matter. Gentlemen may cry, Peace, Peace--but there is no peace. The war is actually begun! The next gale that sweeps from the north will bring to our ears the clash of resounding arms! Our brethren are already in the field! Why stand we here idle? What is it that gentlemen wish? What would they have? Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" Patrick Henry, 1775

Hero

Most people have watched movies or read books, and fantasized about being the hero of the story. Usually you come back down to earth thinking it'll probably never happen. You think you could never do things like that, or have those things happen to you. Why not? Movies, TV, and books are good things. They have some great stories. I always wondered what kind of story my life would make. After a while, I started thinking my life is a story, and I am the star, the hero, the main character. I get to experience this story in a better way than any movie or book. It's a completely interactive story. I make all the decisions. I get to write it. Everything I do is a new plot twist. I think I'll try to make my story the most amazing adventure of all time. I can't wait to see what happens next!

Thursday, July 10, 2008

Fountain

No everyday adventure would be complete if you didn't check out the things around your local city hall. This fountain has benches around it so you can sit and look for a while. This is, as you can see on the sign, in Farmington Hills, Michigan. It's on the corner of Eleven Mile and Orchard Lake Rd. I think I like fountains.

Tuesday, July 8, 2008

Stay On The Path

Forest PlantsWhile I'm giving warnings about bugs, I should say to stay on the trails in wild areas. Try not to touch any plants. Some of them may be poisonous. Most of them are just fine, but always be careful. Whatever they are, they're always great to look at.

Bugging Me

DragonflyI think this is a dragonfly or something. Whatever it is, it's kinda cool looking. Something I'm learning the hard way is that next time I should put on some bug repellent. I was being swarmed by bugs and they bit me all over. This itching is driving me crazy. Take this as a small warning.

Monday, July 7, 2008

Flower

Flower
On my way back out to civilization, I had the river and deer still running through my mind. I knew it would take a while to get back, and I wasn't in that much of a hurry anyway, so I decided to look around at things a little more closely. Flowers like this are scattered around a few areas on these trails, but I might be the only person that'll ever see this one. Yeah yeah, but you're only seeing a picture. These things are better when you're actually there.

Sunday, July 6, 2008

More Of The River

Peaceful River
I couldn't help it. I had to show more of this river. I wish I could stay in this wonderful place forever. Whether or not I take more pictures of it, I'll be coming back here.

Saturday, July 5, 2008

What I Found

Peaceful River
Well, after several other forks in the trail, that led nowhere, I found the end. I thought of turning back several times, but I had a feeling there would be something special here.

Oh man, was I right. There were some low hanging trees and some bushes blocking the view right up until the end. When I went through what looked almost like a doorway, this is what I saw. It opened up right on the edge of this river. This is a beautiful place. I could spend all day here.

As soon as I stepped out, a deer that was taking a drink, ran across the river and out of sight. I was too slow to get a picture. I walked up the river bank to where the deer was, and saw two more in the woods. I was too slow for them too. Now, I really want to get a picture of a deer.

I did find out that the animal sounds I was hearing were coming from these three. Now I know what sound a deer makes. This place and three deer. What a great day!

Friday, July 4, 2008

Backwoods

Backwoods

This trail is pretty deep in the woods. I haven't seen anyone else for quite some time. I wonder when the last time another person has seen any of this. I keep thinking maybe I should turn back, but it wouldn't be an adventure if I did. Every once in awhile I hear a sort of whistling cry. I don't think it's a bird, but it's some kind of animal. This trail twists and turns seemingly forever. I have to find out what's at the end.

Thursday, July 3, 2008

Scenic Overlook

Scenery
I took this picture from atop the Scenic Overlook at Heritage Park. There is a great view from here. I guess that's why they gave it that name. You can see part of this grass is mowed. In the winter they use this hill for sledding. It's getting pretty cloudy up there. There are more storms coming, so I have to leave here for now.

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

I Like This


There are so many trails at Heritage Park, and I like them all. On this one, I like the railing on the one side, and the wall of vegetation on the other. I was here in between two big thunderstorms this day. You can see the path is still wet even though the weather just then was beautiful.

Tuesday, July 1, 2008

Boarded Walkway

Boarded Walkway
This is one of the trails in Heritage Park. It stretches on further than I thought it would, and it's all boarded like this. It's a pretty swampy area, and there are several interesting things to see here. This is the first time I will say this, but not the last. See if you can find it.