Scioto River

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Scioto River

This beautiful scene finishes off our tour of Scioto-Audubon Metro Park. The Scioto River begins somewhere north of Indian Lake, in Hardin County, from a couple of smaller streams. It flows north, then turns east in a very squiggly fashion, until it turns south in Marion County not far from Marion. From that point it is a fairly straight run south through Delaware County into Franklin County. It is joined by the Olentangy River in downtown Columbus, making it the scenic river you see here. Flowing south to Circleville in Pickaway County, it is joined by the Big Darby Creek. As it enters the Appalachian foothills around Chillicothe, the twists and turns of the Scioto River make it a crazy blue line on the map, until finally, at Portsmouth, it joins the mighty  Ohio.

View from the Tower

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View From The Tower

Here we have a rather unique view of the Columbus skyline. That looks like an interesting sculpture in the foreground, but it's actually a climbing wall. I did not get to try it that day, but I would like to some day. There were two doors on the side of the climbing wall that were padlocked; I was curious about what those were for. You can see the Scioto River bridge over in the distance. I think they did a good job putting this park together.

Water Tower

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Water Tower

It's not often you get to see a brand new, freshly-painted water tower. At least this one looks brand new to me, and it has the name of the park painted on the top. I thought it was a pretty neat idea to put the observation deck on it. I like how the support beams make geometric patterns against the sky, giving the effect of a giant spider. Climbing to the 30-foot-high deck was high enough for me.

Boardwalk

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Boardwalk

This is the boardwalk where I took the picture of the Mallard ducks. It does not actually cross a lake, but rather a large pond. I enjoyed looking at the reeds and the other pond life. You can see the water tower up ahead where we will climb to the observation deck. A lot of parks have boardwalks now, which I prefer over getting twenty red ant bites on my ankles.

Bobbers

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Bobbers

It turns out these bobbers are pretty good for fishing. I have spent many years watching ducks, and I guess this is what led to my sister's and my getting ducks of our own. We would have gotten some Mallard Ducks but needed a $25 license to own them. I'm sure the government has a good reason for needing more money.

Mallard Ducks

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Mallard Ducks

Scioto Audubon Metro Park in downtown Columbus offers a scenic retreat from busy city life. I enjoy walking through the different areas of the park. From the observation deck in the water tower, you can see the lake below. You can also walk across the lake on a wooden boardwalk. It was from there that I got a shot of this beautiful pair. I like to check out the police impound lot next to the park, and I noticed it was flooded. Might have been a good day to get towed.