Nothing new in the way of artwork, but it was a unique experience just the same. At the beginning of the trail, right by #2968443, I crossed paths with an older Hippie couple. They tipped me off to a pair of Great Horned Owls who were apparently communicating to each other across the park, followed by a thorough explanation of their dogs’ genetics. I know… weird. But their hearts were in the right place and I appreciated their generosity of spirit. Plus, I could hear the owls chit-chatting from time to time.

And right around the bridge, I met another couple — and they were strikingly beautiful. He was African-American, tall and stylish, while she seemed to be Indian or Middle-Eastern with long, black hair, almost as tall as him. They had this endearing vibe about them — loving, kind and so easy. United Colors of Benetton came to mind. I was a little dumbstruck. When they smiled and said hello, I blurted out, “Isn’t it beautiful?” Fortunately they knew that I was referring to the sculpture and they agreed with me, but I sounded like such a dork. Thank goodness that I didn’t say what I was really thinking: “Dear Gawd, you two would produce the most gorgeous children.”

This big “V” formation of birds drifted overhead and initially I dismissed them as a flock of geese. But a family from Texas informed me that these were pelicans. No kidding? Pelicans? They were right! How cool is that?!