I'm glad I decided to enjoy the morning at Elk Island National Park on Friday.  It had been a few weeks since my last visit and I wanted to see the last of the autumn color.  Many of the leaves had fallen already but every now and again there was a patch of aspen trees that were still holding onto theirs.

As I drove toward Astotin Lake from the south gate, the morning sun reflected off the ponds along the parkway.  The ducks and geese were swimming peacefully on the surfaces.  

When I got to the parking lot, the only people around were park staff; readying the facilities for winter.  I drove to the lot closest to the Lakeview Loop trailhead.  As I gathered my supplies for the short hike, I could hear the waterfowl calling from Astotin Lake.  The morning was calm and warm.  It was a great day to be outside.

The trail was soft and leaf covered.  The underbrush had lost all its leaves so it was easy to see the grouse, squirrels and hares.  The chickadees were busy gathering seeds from the leafless birch.  I heard a flock of cranes overhead.

I stopped at the first bench on the trail.  It overlooks the lake to the southeast.  I wasn't the only one enjoying the morning sun.  A ladybug rested on a nearby leaf as the rays warmed it.

The Lakeview Trail is short and provides many different views.  There are a number of spots to sit and enjoy the forest sights, sounds and smells.

I'm glad that I took the time to head out on Friday.  The wind is howling and the rain is beating against the windows this morning.  The last of the colorful leaves in my backyard are now on the ground.  Mother Nature is almost ready for winter.

I hope the weather holds out for a few more weeks.  My granddaughters are coming to stay for a few days and we are planning on lots of outdoor time.