This is a post to go with #WednesdayWalk challenge by 
Two weeks ago, the embankment in our city got a makeover - and now the place feels like it’s come alive with new energy. Not long ago, it had uneven paths, old benches, and a kind of forgotten vibe to it. Now there are neat walkways, cozy lanterns, new benches with canopies, and even little viewing spots overlooking the river. Everything is designed in a way that makes you want to slow down, sit for a while, and just watch the water glide by, carrying the city’s hustle away with it.
What’s really surprising is how popular the embankment has become, even though we’re deep into autumn and the first snow has already fallen. People come here in whole families: some take a leisurely stroll, some pose for photos against the backdrop of snow‑dusted railings and the dark river, and others just stand there, gazing into the distance as if trying to catch that perfect moment when the city looks a little quieter and more beautiful. Kids run between the lanterns, leaving a trail of footprints in the thin layer of snow, while adults smile, watching this simple joy unfold.
Even with the chill in the air, the place feels cozy. The lanterns cast a soft glow that, at dusk, makes the embankment seem almost magical. And the light frost only adds to the atmosphere - the air turns crisp and clear, the city sounds fade into the background, and all that’s left is the quiet crunch of footsteps on fresh snow.
I’ve been here several times over these past two weeks, and each time I notice something new. A couple pausing by the railing to enjoy the view together. An older man feeding the ducks. A group of teenagers just chatting, not worrying about anything serious. That’s the real charm of it: the embankment has become a place where everyone can find their own little reason to be happy.
It’s great to see the city getting better - and even better to know that these changes truly matter to people. Even on overcast and frosty days, the embankment draws people in, as if it’s promising a brief escape from everyday worries: just a moment to breathe the fresh air and feel part of something bigger and more alive. Now it’s not just a walking path - it’s the city’s new heartbeat, beating a little louder and warmer than before. 😊
But the organizers of this place not only updated and rebuilt this and previously favorite recreation area of the townspeople, but also came up with a special feature - they placed 20 figures of squirrels.
The townspeople have been searching for these squirrels for the third week now and are asking on social media who could find how many? The maximum number is 15. where are the other 5?
I decided not to participate in this race for squirrels, I paused. It was funny - people around this squirrel started leaving coins.
There are even 2 chess tables, but there are no chess pieces themselves. The organizers of this place are afraid that they will simply be stolen. I don't even doubt it.
The unpleasant thing is that I saw a lot of banners warning about video cameras watching us and forbidding us to walk, for example, on these hills.
The view of the church has been transformed. Until this fall, it was not visible from this side because of the dense tall bushes.
The squirrel is the unofficial symbol of the city. There were 2 factories with the same name - a fur factory and a match factory, now only the match factory remains.
When I came to live in this city, I could buy a locally made waffle cake in the store. It was delicious. It was 1991 year.
When I was walking along the embankment 10 days ago, there were a lot of people here. The girls were taking selfies, but last night my wife and I decided to walk along the embankment and saw only a few children.
And this morning I decided to take another walk here and also saw few people. I should probably come back on weekend.
Someone puts food for the squirrels. 😂
There are also activities for children, but there are few of them. Maybe the organizers thought that children should be taken to children's parks?
Friends, did you like the squirrels? Of course, I didn't take pictures of them all, but if you liked them, I can show them all next Wednesday.
I picked up my Nikon from the workshop today. But I also bought a Sony a7iv. I decided to change the camera.
Friends, goodbye! Until the next walk.
Well. Have all my friends, observers, and readers, wonderful walks on Wednesdays. And also on Sundays and any other day!
Don’t Worry, Be Happy (C) Bobby McFerrin
Text & Photography by 
With love
Good luck and have fun