Sunday, October 25, 2009

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.


5 comments:

  1. This post, like all your others, just goes to show that there's always something of interest or beauty when you go for a walk in the woods. Especially such wonderful woods as the ones in Moreau Lake State Park. I especially loved the photos of the young white-throated sparrows -- adorable! And I'm glad you recorded the sweet little Bluet, such brave little beauties that start blooming in April and keep at it until late into the fall. Thanks for all the images.

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  2. Hello there! I bet those are my honey bees. Nice to know where they're getting food these days. Poor girls have mites... Keep up your great work - love your blog! Scott

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  3. Hello there! I bet those are my honey bees. Nice to know where they're getting food these days. Poor girls have mites... Keep up your great work - love your blog! Scott

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  4. I love the snake! :) Looks similar to the one I saw in the summer in about the same area! And the bluet, so nice.

    I love that you keep calling it rifle season, because that is exactly what it is! Murdering season...

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  5. Hi..... The fotos look rally cool..... keep posting.... :) ill be visiting ur blog for updates

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