(Last week, we left off at the halfway point of our scenic local fitness walk – the end of Second Street where it intersects with Kottinger Road.)

Once my 9-year old son, Ian, and I got to the end of Second, we proceeded east on Kottinger. It was one of those gorgeous days just after a rain when the landscape is crystal clear and the air is so fresh you can taste it. 

We came upon a small park (McKinley) that was literally covered with tan and yellow autumn leaves. Ian was only too happy to lie down for a silly, posed picture here. As we headed up the street, we spotted the beginning of Kottinger Park, a long, narrow greenbelt that stretches from just past McKinley Park, past Valley View Elementary School and one short block from Bernal Avenue.

One highlight of the walk was a brief rest at Pat's Bench, a colorful and lovingly dedicated mosaic ceramic bench along the route. After a nice passerby snapped a shot of us on the bench, Ian offered a cheery "Thanks, Pat!" as we continued on.

We explored the creek that runs through the park, met a nice woman named Violet and her dog, Ruby (I wondered if the color-themed names were intentional), and enjoyed some lovely views. Our trek was enough to work up an appetite for the farmers' market fare.

When we were winding past the creek, Ian said to me, "I'm always going to keep this memory. When I'm blue, I'll think of this place."

When we reached the end of the park, we turned up Bernal and headed up the route's only real (moderate) incline. Near the peak, you'll see to your right the start of East Angela Street. We turned right there onto Angela, one of Pleasanton's more beautiful streets with a great view of the ridge.

Heading down Angela, we passed the end of Bonita Avenue, the first street I lived on when I moved to Pleasanton over 20 years ago.

About halfway down, we saw the First Street boundary of the farmers' market. Once there, we got some fruit and, my favorite, English peas. Adding a couple of tasty delights from the Feel Good Bakery booth, we squatted on the lawn, met some friends and enjoyed watching the pups at the Tri-Valley Animal Rescue area.

All in all, another terrific Saturday morning in Pleasanton.