That's My World Tuesday: Several late August walks

For my last August That's My World Tuesday post, I thought I'd show you some photographs I've taken on recent walks at Shelley Lake (Raleigh, NC, US).

The first shot was taken below the dam and I was trying to get a group shot of the zillion dragonflies and damselflies flitting around. I'd never seen so many in one place but I gave up as they blended into the grass. Instead I decided to try for a shot showing the cloud formation over the bench on top of the dam.

Although I gave up on a group shot of the dragons and damsels, I did get a solo flight above. I'm ready for summer to end but I was reminded of how green and beautiful this summer has been in spite of the heat. We've had enough rain to help the plant life make it through the hot days.

Even the piling left when a dock was removed is growing grasses out of the wood (the one to the right of the mallard duck which is standing).

This has been the hottest summer I can remember ever having in terms of consecutive days, weeks, and months without any relief from the heat. That's why even a week at the end of August with some slightly cooler nights and not quite as hot days was a major relief. Looks like September is coming in with some more hot days but this too shall pass.

I'm glad that I've been able to take advantage of some pleasant mornings and start walking again.

I would hate to have missed these late summer views on the lake near my house.

I also like to walk along the creeks which feed into the lake and then flow on the other side of the dam.

There are a lot of different butterflies which I've noticed on my walks. Below is a common buckeye.

I am definitely ready for fall and I always enjoy the autumn leaves but I am also glad that I reminded myself of how beautiful and green my world is in the summer, as long as it isn't too dry.

It always interests me how there aren't any gulls at the lake until winter. There are ducks and geese year round but the gulls arrive in the winter and leave in the spring. I have shots of the gulls in the snow and ice at this lake, but they are never here in the summer.

This post is getting long so I guess I'll stop on the bridge. Maybe next week I'll take you through the woods on some of the trails beyond the lake on either side which follow the creeks.

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