One of the most pleasant times to run is as the sun is setting on a cool autumn day.  This evening was just such a run.

The first stretch takes me through Saddler’s Woods.  This is a 25 acre square of old growth trees right in the middle of a well-developed suburban area.  It has a fascinating history.  Joshua Saddler was an escaped slave from Maryland, who was sheltered here by a Quaker family.  They bought his freedom, and he established a small farm, ultimately repaying the cost of his freedom.  The tract called Saddler’s Woods is now a conservatory, dedicated initially by Joshua Saddler as an area where none of his offspring were allowed to cut down any trees.

This giant old tree in Saddler’s Woods was felled by nature.

Back on the road, having passed through Saddler’s Woods, I had to cross a busy boulevard to get to the next park.  Newton Lake park is a beautiful chain of lakes bordered by running trails and weeping willow trees.  There are lily pads along the littoral edge, ducks and geese, and the occasional heron or egret can be spotted.  The paths are well-used, as this is a great place to walk, push a baby carriage, run, ride a bike, or throw a ball for a dog.

Fishermen in Newton Lake.

A pleasant aspect of running in autumn, especially in the evening, is that the cicadas are quiet, and the cricket’s songs can be heard.  There are leaves on the ground, and they crunch a bit underfoot.  Other than the padding of my shoes, and the occasional chat of walkers as I pass them, it is pretty quiet along this route.  While I am no fan of the hoards of geese we see in our parks, watching them as the pass with a subtle throbbing noise in their “V” formation and alight on the water is a beautiful sight.

Geese in the distance, lily pads.

When I got a little past three miles into my run, I turned and headed back along the opposite side of the lake.  Getting close to the end of the path I could see a three-quarter moon rising.

Heading back towards the east, as the moon rises.

I got my six miles in, but a lot more, having enjoyed the run tremendously.