Esplanade- early winter

I really do love the Esplanade in Palmy, especially for a quiet, calm, weekend walk- and the glory of the park is that it holds beautiful surprises, whatever the season. Today the sun 'hid' most of the time I was there, but autumn colours were still poking through, giving joy in early winter. Here are a selection of photos from this morning.

 This track is from the Esplanade mini-train line, and it reminds me of childhood, when Dad was a guard on the Railways who had to switch over the lines...

 There were still rose blooms in the Rose Garden, though on their 'last legs', and no doubt due for the pruning shears soon.

 In summertime brides will grace this pagoda, now looking a bit sad and wintry.

 The floral gardens have been replanted, to give colour over winter and in early spring.

 By the children's paddling pool- umm yes, will try and remember this in my panic.

 A rare pateke duck- being bred for release into the wild I think. Seemed awfully solitary for it in there today.

 Despite the grey. overcast skies, the leaf colours on this ginkgo shone forth into the Esplanade- one of several magnificent specimens.

 These leaves really do tell a tale of early winter.

 Crunch... snap....

 Fungi on the remnants of a rotting tree stump.

The sun came out just as my walk was ending- to highlight these autumn berries.

So, next time I go walking in the Esplanade, I wonder what new things I will see....