Wednesday, November 19, 2025

A Wednesday Walk

It's supposed to rain hard for the next two days. Today was overcast, but warm enough to be comfortable in a fleece jacket. Hubby Tony suggested we go out for an afternoon walk while it was still dry. I agreed.

At first we were going to drive to a walkable shopping area, but halfway there I remembered a nice multi-use trail (along Clayton Road if you know the area) and suggested our budget would probably like that better. Tony parked the car in the lot of a professional building and we were off.

The first task was to cross the road. I've never seen trees growing in the crevice next to a traffic light pole, but this one still had beautiful autumn colors.

We started westward on the trail, but right before it crossed over the highway we saw a spur off to the right and turned that way. A sign indicated it was a wellness trail for Missouri Baptist Hospital just to the north. The first part paralleled the highway, but between the greenery on the left and a privacy fence on the right the trail felt quite secluded.

Eventually the trail turned to the east, and grass replaced the fence and greenery. I saw bright green orbs scattered over the grass and realized the were fruits from an Osage Orange tree.

The trail made a couple more turns and ended up at a Ballas (a major street) north of where the car was parked. We walked along a overgrown sidewalk back to the professional building, where we used the bathroom before heading home.

Five years ago today: Trending

13 comments:

  1. Nice walk! I've never heard of an Osage orange, so looked it up and found it interesting.

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    1. I thought it was a tree with a limited growing zone, so that's why I included the link.

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  2. An unexpected little spot of beauty by the utility pole!

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  3. You guys have such lovely opportunities for walking and exploring in your area! I also thought to myself - I wonder what Smokey Joe was up to while you were out? Lol!

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  4. It's been awhile since I've seen an Osage Orange tree. From Wikipedia... "The fruit has a slightly cucumber-like flavor." Did you try it?

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    1. I have not, but years ago I used to cut up a couple of fruits and toss them in the corners of the basement to repel bugs.

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  5. We go for a walk most mornings. It's A great way to start the day. Today was 42 & cloudy but it always feels great to just be out in nature.

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