Vertically Challenged

October 21, 2009
Spring Overlook Trail, Moreau Lake State Park NY


July was the last time I had been on that part of the Western Ridge Trail that leads to the Spring Overlook. Jackie's been scrambling up there once a week, it seems. I though would be a good time to walk up there again, before the opening of rifle season this weekend.


I wasn’t sure I had the time to get up to the Overlook itself, especially with getting a late start, but it would be a good workout. The first section is a steady incline, and it became very clear early on that I was definitely out of shape ! Made lots of catching-my-breath stops.

The day started warmish & sunny, but soon clouded over. By the time I reached the powerline easement -- about halfway to the Overlook -- the sound of the noon whistle floated up from somewhere below. Since it was a work day, that meant it was time to turn around soon and head home. The Overlook would have to wait until another time.
I stalled, by wandering around on the easement.

There were a few white asters still unbowed by frost, and the bees were gathering the last nectar, buffet-style.


This aster seemed the embodiment of the color mauve.


A ladybug out on a limb – of a fern


Rocky cliffs loomed above. I didn’t hear the usual raven calls from there today.


I saw some hornets and side-stepped a little tree where they were gathered, in case there was a nest nearby.
Instead I found a snake who had been sunbathing in a knee-high maple.


Everything on the easement was embrowned; the crisp delicate ferns and sweetfern releasing a heady scent as I walked among them.

On the way down, I admired the Pearly Everlastings that lined the edges of the trail, along with some wrinkly mushrooms.
And some of the teeniest mushrooms I’ve ever seen.


Dried-up flowers, brown and gray seedpods and funky-looking fungi were the main blooms of the day. There was no denying that summer is, indeed, over.
And yet – here was a single bluet, as fresh as the sky of an April morning.