Autumnal Makeover

Summer has officially gone and so I thought it was time for a blog makeover. Dave had suggested to me that everyone in St Albans has probably seen enough of grey sand to last them for a while anyway!
So - where has the latest background come from? -  I hear you ask. Well you're probably not surprised by now to know that there is a story behind it - and here it is...


 At just about this time of year, last year I was having a Saturday morning run. I ran down the cycle track, past Mona Vale, took a left, headed past Chateau on the Park and went into Hagley Park. I had not been running for long when I saw a man (and his dog) who I recognised - it was my dad and his dog Rory. What an excellent excuse to stop running and instead enjoy a walk through Hagley Park. 
We walked along the track beside Hagley Avenue until we came to the river at which point we took a right and continued along the gravel path beside the river. We saw many people who seemed to recognise Dad and Rory, probably because they are regulars in that part of town. We crossed the road that takes cars to the Botanic Garden Carpark,  veered right and carried along beside the river as it runs past Christs College.
Suddenly, before my eyes, I saw a glorious tree. 
"Wow!" I gasped.
"Oh yes, " said Dad. "That's Mum's favourite tree."
There it stood in all it autumnal finery amongst the trees that hadn't even noticed the days were feeling colder and the nights were getting longer.

Well, I didn't have a camera with me that day but today Dave and I biked along the same cycle track and into the park so I could take some photos - and here they are. 

Why don't you take a walk to Hagley Park and find my mum's tree? It is a sight that will cheer your heart!

X marks the spot! (nb this is the amended map)