Photographs by Don Wolf
One of the benefits of living here is the opportunity to enjoy Los Gatos' Oak Meadow Park and Vasona Lake County Park. I particularly enjoy walking along Los Gatos Creek, on the west side of the creek where the number of people and bicycles is very small as compared to the popular Los Gatos Creek trail on the east side and the much bigger Vasona Park.
Although a very enjoyable walk any time of the year, the fall season provides some beautiful colors not present at other times. I think it also brings people out to just enjoy the atmosphere, the view, and the other people on the trail. The fishermen that take up residence on the west lakeshore are an interesting lot. This morning, I noticed one was sitting on his own camp chair, just gazing across the lake and at the island with the breeding white egrets. His pole was in a holder on the bank, but the line and hook were not in the water. I asked, "Why?" He answered, "I just throw them back anyway, so why even bother to catch? I enjoy the solitude and view, particularly the two turtles that are basking on the bank."
While "fishing," he was entertained by dozens of cormorants circling in the water between dives. Although there are lots of mallards and other birds present, the big flock of beautiful Canada geese mostly soil the east side of the lake.
Yes, many of us know Oak Meadow for its children's playground, the Billy Jones Wildcat Railroad and vintage children's carousel. And, of course they are great, as are the picnic areas and big lawn between the railroad station and Blossom Hill Road. However, not very many people venture beyond the railroad station along the creek path to the dead end of the path right near the island where the great egrets, eagles, and great blue herons nest. That is where you gain the solitude and the very nicest people who have the time to share their pleasant experiences at Oak Meadow.
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