Ann Lee Pond Nature and Historic Preserve(Colonie, Albany County)

Did a short walk at the Ann Lee Pond Preserve this sultry, summer like afternoon before the incoming storms before moved in.  The Preserve is owned and managed by Albany County and offers up a pleasant little nature walk amidst the nearby sounds of traffic as well as the neighboring airport.  Parked in the designated parking area near a bend on Heritage Lane and set out, with the heat and humidity packing a punch(apparently also keeping people away, as I had the preserve to myself).

The historical pond, named after the founder of the 18th century Shaker religious community, is very shallow but quite scenic and teeming in wildlife.

The trail circles around the edge of the edge of the pond and I saw plenty of small critters and creatures along the way. 

Once in the welcoming shade of the woods, I explored both the blue and red trails, as well as an unmarked but well defined foot path.  There was a profusion of large, waist to chest high ferns that dotted large swaths of the woods.

Found some showy azaleas in a few select spots closer to the pond.

Shelter from the storm?  With incoming sever weather possible, it's always good to have a place to escape to.

The last time I was here, several years ago, the foot bridge across the pond was in very rough shape.  Fast forward to today I was happy to see the bridge in good, functioning condition.

Covered a bit over 2 miles round trip, with a good sweat worked up in a short amount of time.  Dark, storm clouds were quickly moving in as I got to the car, with the promise of cooler weather to follow.