PBW: Avalon

Welcome friends, to the first Photo Blog Wednesday of September. It really is September, isn't it? I drove home in rain and utter darkness tonight. We don't change our clocks until the end of October, so it seems sudden that it was so dark, so early. Hard to believe the excursion I shared a portion of last week took place less than two weeks ago. Anyway, when last we left me, I was in the historic town of Stony Brook, photographing the Hercules Pavilion and the post office eagle. I didn't want to go home just yet, so on my way out of the town I pulled over near a lake and a grist mill to take some more shots.





Other than a duck walking along the lake, and the water running past the mill across the street, the area didn't seem too interesting. The sidewalk alongside the lake seemed to even end as the road continued, but then I noticed it actually led to a gate of some sort...







I'd later learn that Avalon was a huge preserve established in memory of the deceased son of a local billionaire mathematician. I'd also discover, as the map shows, that the portion I explored that day was only a fraction of what was there, and were it not for dwindling daylight and threatening rain, I surely would have covered the full 82 acres. I explored the park that day; someday I'll return for the preserve.











After navigating a board covered path that ran behind the lake, I came to a sign indicating the start of the trails, and a seemingly endless set of stone steps leading to them.





At the top of the steps, a sign promised a “labyrinth” and I'd soon arrive at the centerpiece of Avalon, a maze path of stones leading to a strange circle, with a statue of Prometheus. Childlike spirit that I am, I of course followed the stone path to get to the center. It didn't spiral, but rather would turn back on itself. Sometimes I'd get closer to the center, while other times it would lead me back out to the edge. I wanted to follow it because on some geek level, I probably thought I'd open a Stargate or a mystic portal to another dimension. Yes, I know, soy un perdedor.






When I got to the center, nothing of course happened. No demon or vampire burst through the ground. I didn't fall through a pool of water and end up in Narnia, and I certainly wasn't teleported across the galaxy. Instead I just stood there in the center of it all, taking in the silence, and basking in it.





As light continued to dwindle, scurrying squirrels and other forest dwellers broke the silence, and I resumed my journey through the paths, to the highest point of the park.






It was starting to get too dark for good pictures, and though I did find an exit where crossing a side street would lead into the larger preserve, it was time to head back down and get out of there. When I was close to the lake again, I was drawn to a small pond off to the side, one surrounded by interesting rocks and plant life.








I've never seen a pair of ducks foraging in the woods before. I'm sure it's a fairly common sight, especially when those woods are near a large body of water, but to me it was a fascinating juxtaposition. As some other large, unidentified birds landed on the highest branches of the trees far above, looking down like vultures, I found my way out of the park and back to my car.



I got one last picture of a swan for good measure.



I hope you enjoyed my photos! Remember, next week I debut the first ever Photo Blog Wednesday contest. I hope to see you there, because you'll definitely see me...