The Waskahegan Staging area parking lot was empty when I arrived.  I could tell it was going to be a good morning for a hike.

The sun was shining and the birds were singing.  It rained overnight so the trail was covered in sticky mud.  Water droplets hung precariously off the leaves and berries.  The sunlight shining on them created little jewels along the route.

The colorful leaves are beginning to let go of their branches; creating a carpet underfoot.  The red cranberries and rose hips were left hanging on bare branches.   

When I got to the first shelter, I stopped to take in the view of the lake.  The trees on the other side wore coats of colorful reds and yellows.  Ducks and geese swam on the smooth surface.  I could hear a flock of cranes overhead but could not see them.  The scene from the shelter was as peaceful as it could get.

I made it two thirds of the way around and came across a male ruffed grouse on the trail.  He strutted across the trail and flew into the shrubbery.  Woodpeckers and blue jays called from the tree tops.  

I was almost back to the parking lot when I came across a group of hikers.  It appeared to be a club as one individual was providing some information about the area to rest of the group.  Everyone commented on the beautiful morning.

My timing was impeccable.  Behind the hikers came cyclists and dog walkers.  It paid to get to the trails early as most of my walk was in solitude; enjoying the colors of fall and the sounds of the forest.