Looking Through Trees

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Looking Through Trees

This is the end of the trail for Slate Run Metro Park, at least for this visit. Come back any time you need some fresh air.

Five-Pointed Leaf

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Five-Pointed Leaf

I thought this was an interesting leaf. I'm not sure if it's a Buckeye, Sweet Gum, Maple, or Sycamore. Does anyone else know?

Wild Iris

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Wild Iris

I think this is a wild iris, although I'm not sure. It was fun to discover this little gem growing by the boardwalk.

Boardwalk And Black Swan

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Boardwalk Over Pond

Now we return to the pond. We can walk out over the pond on the boardwalk.

Wild Black Swan

That's how I got this nifty shot of a black swan. Wikipedia says black swans are found in Australia and Europe, so I'm not sure what this one's doing here.

Red Berries

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Red Berries

Although you can find red berries at almost any park in the summer time, they always look a little bit different. I'm glad I caught these since I'm sure a bird will be feasting on them soon.

Grass And Sky

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Grass And Sky

Fueled by a million man-made wings of fire
the rocket tore a tunnel through the sky
and everybody cheered.
Fueled
only by a thought from God –
the seedling
urged its way
through the thickness of black –
and as it pierced
the heavy ceiling of the soil –
and launched itself
up into outer space –
no
one
even
clapped.

—Fueled  by Marcie Hans

The Trail Goes On

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The Trail Goes On

Roads go ever ever on,
Over rock and under tree,
By caves where never sun has shone,
By streams that never find the sea;
Over snow by winter sown,
And through the merry flowers of June,
Over grass and over stone,
And under mountains in the moon.

Roads go ever ever on,
Under cloud and under star.
Yet feet that wandering have gone
Turn at last to home afar.
Eyes that fire and sword have seen,
And horror in the halls of stone
Look at last on meadows green,
And trees and hills they long have known.

—excerpt from Roads Go Ever On by J.R.R. Tolkien

Five Oaks

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Five Oaks

This trail was named the five oaks trail after this very interesting tree. It is one oak tree that grew out five different trunks. I thought it was amazing.

Covered Bridge

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Covered Bridge

Now we come to a covered bridge.

Inside Covered Bridge

What's more fun than walking through a covered bridge?

Sky Through Trees

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Sky Through Trees

The woods here are a wonderful place to be, full of tall trees and green leaves. I have always liked taking pictures of the sky and I like how this shot came out.

Bridge And Trail

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Bridge And Trail

Now we hit the trail again to see what else lies ahead. There are many bridges to walk across over small streams. In the stream beds you can see the slate that the park is named for.

Cattails

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Cattails

I enjoy coming across cattails growing in a pond or even a ditch. The stalks are great fun to wave around in the wind when the brown head pops open and the down comes out. Cattail roots can be ground into flour to make bread. The pollen is abundant in vitamins and should be added to the bread. Then boil the roots and make jelly to put on your bread.

Observation Deck

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Observation Deck

Slate run has some beautiful boardwalks. This observation deck off one of them has a peaceful view of a pond. Sit down and relax!

Queen Ann's Lace

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Queen Ann's Lace Field

We're just at the right time to see the Queen Ann's lace flowering.

Queen Ann's Lace Flower

Queen Ann's lace is also known as wild carrot because of its woody root. In fact, the carrots you eat were domesticated from Queen Ann's lace. Legend says that Queen Ann pricked her finger while trying to create a lace as beautiful as this flower. The red center represents a drop of her blood.

Slate Run Trail

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Slate Run Trail

This looks like a nice day for a walk at Slate Run Metro Park. With grasslands, wetlands, and forests, we are sure to be in for a treat. Let's get going!

Sailing Clouds

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Sailing Clouds

I took this picture at Slate Run Metro Park on the southeast side of Columbus. The park has a very interesting living history farm along with the traditional hiking trails and beautiful scenery. After watching the chickens, cows, and  pigs doing their thing, you can relax beside a photogenic view like this one. What could be more perfectly symmetrical than a reflection? However, if you look closely, do you see any differences?