Autumn in Bakersfield

 

A day before I was leaving for India I decided to indulge into my bike. Early morning before sunrise I set out towards the River Walk Park which is about 2 miles from my home. It was rather cool and a jacket felt essential. There were a few people already out for there morning walk. Some solo, some couples, some in groups of 4 or 5 and some with their dogs. Occasionally another biker would cross my path.

The Central Valley is known to have fog during winters. Our children do not miss school because of snowfall but they often have fog delays. That morning nostalgia struck me when I saw the meadows beside the bike path were covered in fog. The beauty of the morning was indescribable. I kept pedaling and soaking in the unexpected charm of the hour, at times stopping to capture a solitary tree in the midst of the fog. 

The eastern skies were slowly beginning to light up and rays of light fanned from between the mountain tops even before the sun peeped out. And within moments there it was. The glorious ball of golden light making an entry. I was so mesmerized with this ceremonial display that when I finally took my eyes off the sun I realized that the fog had lifted off while I was distracted. The lake was glistening and a few duck families were having a picnic in the cool waters knowing it wouldn’t last long as the sun climbed higher up. A solitary crane stood still as a statue in one isolated corner of the lake, hopeful for a hearty breakfast. Flocks of geese were seen flying overhead. A flock of pheasants had taken over the bare trunk of an oak tree in the meadows.

The bike path was strewn across with red and yellow maple leaves. The trees flanking the path were at the peak of autumnal glory. An occasional squirrel would scurry across the path, stop by one of the trees, turn to give me a glance before hurrying up the trunk of the tree. Another of its brethren was not so much in a hurry and would stay quietly on the leaves covered ground, perfectly blending with its surroundings. 

I was having such a lovely time that I didn’t realize how long I was out of home. I only turned back for the return journey after Abhay called to check on me. 

It’s been two weeks since that beautiful day in Bakersfield and I wanted to document it. But everything got busy once I reached home. The upcoming overseas travel, handing over mail keys to the neighbor and what not, just had no time to write about the experience. So here I am today bringing it forth and reliving it to some extent as I recall. 

There can be no bike riding until I return to Bakersfield. Pune traffic is not my cup of tea. Here I take every opportunity to walk in the small lanes covered with tall trees. It’s a different kind of relaxation.