I was keenly aware all week of how sluggish and unmotivated I was feeling. The cold November weather had set in and darkness was falling closer and closer to 4pm. More than usual I was dreading leaving my warm blankets in the morning. 

Determined not to sleep the day away in a turkey coma and needing to walk dogs before dark we took them to the waterfront. It was only 3 o’clock, but the sun was already low in the sky. This was still more daylight than usual for afternoon walks lately. We were excited to see we had the whole place to ourselves. Everyone must still be celebrating. 

I brought my camera and hurried down the path along the water hoping to find my ducks in their hiding spot. They had been avoiding the boats and crowds all summer, and I had finally found their nesting ground near the end of October. As I came upon the clearing and searched for them, I was disappointed to find nothing there. Beautiful reflections of leafless  trees in waters at high tide, but no ducks. I heard nothing nearby either. 

Finding new resolve, I convinced myself they must be at the opposite end of the landing since there were no boats or crowds of people. Hurrying back down the path, as the sun was getting lower by the minute, I crossed the boardwalk admiring the wispy clouds across the blue and pink sky. My face was feeling numb from the cold, but I was too excited to find my ducks.

Walking further down the path I took care to avoid geese droppings. As I got closer to the stream leading into the river, I suddenly realized that there were two geese ahead of me. Not wanting to scare them off, I redirected up the stairs to view them from above the scenic overlook. I heard them before I saw them as I reached the edge and looked down. Even at this distance they were on to me. A huge flock of geese was already walking towards the waters edge. There were so many of them. I watched as they got closer and started individually flying into the water away from me.

I watched them floating down the river away from me, appreciating how many of them there were. They were moving into small groups but still moving down river together. Enjoying this peaceful moment I looked overhead I saw my ducks flying against the blue sky of wispy white clouds. They landed on the opposite side of the river where the golden hour light was fading from the trees.

Days like these make me grateful for the wildlife so close to my home and encourage me to find new reasons to push myself to get outside and stay motivated.