Boys, bridges, bikes and birds

For Sunday's outing, we loaded the boys, their bikes, and something to drink into the van and took off for Carroll Creek Park. Strolling leisurly along the creek promenade, we took in the sights and stopped under the coolness of the amazing Community Bridge to study some of its messages and secrets.

After that, we went over to Baker Park for some biking and birding. The serenity of the lake and the beauty of the surrounding area makes it a pleasant spot to sit and enjoy the resident ducks and geese.

To round out the day, we went back to the creek complex and had dinner at The Green Turtle, a sports bar/grill with good food and umpteen bazillion TVs - all tuned in to several different sports events.

In spite of the heat, we had a most enjoyable day!

Carroll Creek, looking toward the Community Bridge

All stonework, duck, sunflower, and other symbols are part of the trompe l'oeil mural, the characteristic that makes the bridge so extraordinary

Sculpture in front of the Delaplaine Visual Arts Education Center, next to the creek

Taking a break

Refreshing cascading water fountain

Masses of Maryland's state flower, the black-eyed susan, beautify the creek area

Michael taking a trip around the lake

Sitting for a spell with the geese

Strolling with the people-friendly ducks and geese

We spotted this distinctly different newcomer in amongst the other birds and think it's a sandpiper of some kind.