Recently, I’ve been exploring new places to take my walks. About a month ago I parked at a place called Hidden Lakes that had no visible lake or pond. There were no signs or trail markers, so I looked around until I found the paved path I’d seen on the paper map I had at home.
After following the path through some low hills and over a bridge I found…another park with playing fields and picnic tables.
Still no lake.
So, this morning when I walked the same starting route, I turned onto an unpaved trail before I reached that second park. An lo and behold! Water at last!

One bit of the Hidden Lake. Judging from the back section of the bank, the water level is way down. Photo copyright 2021 by Vanessa Kier.
Don't the water droplets look like crystals? Photo copyright 2021 by Vanessa Kier.
I love the way this looks like a spinning cone made of crystal that's throwing out crystal beads. Photo copyright 2021 by Vanessa Kier.
Bearded palms. I'm not sure what caused the bottom sections of the skirts to have missing pieces. Photo copyright 2021 by Vanessa Kier.
It was so refreshing to find this pond/mini-lake in the middle of our drought-stricken landscape.
Discovering this also soothed the part of me that craves new experiences. I was getting bored of my usual walking routes.
So, double win!
How about you? What new experiences have you had recently?