This was my first time on this trail. And my dog's first time in water. What a classic hike!
Lots of people, but understandably so. There's a little for everyone. We probably passed someone every couple of minutes, but there were no crowds anywhere.
The air was almost cool when clouds blocked the sunlight and the water was quite chilly. After my puppy's first swim lesson, he seemed a little hesitant to go back in. Lots of other dogs around.
A very few trees had started to change color but best wait a little while for the true colors of fall to hit those maples and oaks! The ferns in the meadows have almost all turned brown.
We saw fuzzy gold and black caterpillars here and there. Also a water snake (under the water!). See pictures. Not to scare anyone with this natural history observation! Also bizarre holes (wild pigs? wait, no... gophers?) digging at the roots of some trees. No sign of the buggers themselves though.
Great getaway hike.