Tuesday, I was in Madrid, Spain hiking along the Manzanares River in Monte El Pardo Preserve accompanied by my wife, Caroline, my daughter Allison, my two sisters, Bev & Peg along with our guide, Jonathan, a native of Nova Scotia. The late morning weather was sunny with a temperature of 70 degrees and a slight northerly breeze. Following a well-worn path on the riverbank, we saw a variety of trees including: Plane trees (related to Sycamore) with their maple-like leaves, bristly fruit and mottled bark, Acacia trees with Spanish Moss growing on their trunks, a Locust Bean tree and a Holly Oak. In one of the trees a Wood Pigeon was perching. Near the river’s edge, we spotted a swallow but could not determine the exact species. We left the trail and walked to a place where the river rushed over a concrete slab. Continuing on the trail, we could barely make out a female Pintail duck swimming in a swampy cove far below. Also, we saw and heard a few European Magpies. In the open areas, many colorful wildflowers were in bloom including: Wild Parsnips, Dense flowered Mullein, Milk Thistle, Spanish Oyster Thistle and Wild Clematis. Next, we paused to observe a Cereal Leaf Beetle on a Tansy flower as well as smell the pleasant aroma of its leaves. Nearby, a shrub, called Spanish Broom, was in full bloom. Finally, we retraced our steps back to the beginning and boarded a bus for return trip to the hotel.
I’ve traveled many lands
Most states and beyond
I’ve hiked many trails
Most memories are fond
Along scenic rivers
Majestic mountains high
Across verdant valleys low
Natural beauty I can’t deny
Everywhere I’ve gone
Mother Earth has a story
Everywhere I’ve looked
Nature reveals her glory
D. DeGraaf
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