tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20900530583105840972024-03-13T07:56:00.594-04:00In the FieldOpen space in (or sometimes near) Shelton, ConnecticutTeresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628471774296555013noreply@blogger.comBlogger221125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090053058310584097.post-74369074617835647882017-08-11T14:09:00.000-04:002017-08-11T14:09:23.675-04:00Monarchs on Butterfly Milkweed<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monarch on Butterfly Milkweed, August 10</td></tr>
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I saw my first Monarch Butterfly of the year on July 30. It was sipping from some clover blooms in the middle of a hayfield in Shelton. About fifty feet away, on the perimeter of the community garden, Butterfly Milkweed were in full bloom. The pretty orange flowers can host Monarch caterpillars, and I wondered if we might start seeing some soon. The eggs hatch in about five days and the caterpillars grow rapidly. On August 10, I checked the Butterfly Milkweed and we did indeed have a Monarch caterpillar.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monarch on clover, July 30</td></tr>
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Butterfly Milkweed, also called Butterfly Weed, and not to be confused with Butterfly Bush, is a favorite of mine. It's a perennial that doesn't need to be watered, brings a nice shade of orange to the garden, is fine in our acidic soils, and the deer don't touch it. It doesn't spread throughout the garden like other types of milkweed and, of course, it can host Monarch caterpillars because it's in the Milkweed family. It does need full sun and ground that isn't too wet. This dry hilltop is a perfect spot for it, and in fact the plant grows wild in the hayfield, blooming after the hay has been cut.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butterfly Milkweed</td></tr>
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<br />Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628471774296555013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090053058310584097.post-14901920870331597632016-07-10T09:06:00.000-04:002016-07-10T09:22:00.712-04:00Birchbank Slugpocalypse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What do you see when you're on the trails? The above tranquil photo of Upper White Hills Brook along Birchbank Trail in Shelton is actually pretty dramatic if you're a slug. Look closely at the lower left corner of the photo. Can't see it? Look at the photo below for a close up.<br />
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We were in a drought, and then it rained, and a bunch of slugs were trapped on a shrinking island that eventually went under water. Dozens of dead slugs were laying in a pile under the water. Here we have some of the survivors, one riding on a leaf raft that moved across the water in lazy circles, and in the distance you can see a slug swarm clinging to a stick.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Slug Raft</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clinging to a stick</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Most didn't make it. But a few were still moving under the water.</td></tr>
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I'm not a fan of slugs, so I admit to a certain twisted snickering when I saw this. At any rate, it's another example of what you might see if you pause to really look at nature. There is drama everywhere as plants and animals struggle to survive.<br />
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Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628471774296555013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090053058310584097.post-19122344477072170542015-06-15T18:28:00.001-04:002015-06-16T11:55:38.204-04:00Open Space Poster Child: Long Hill, SheltonI'm a believer in conservation areas that are managed for the benefit of both wildlife and people. The <a href="http://sheltonconservation.org/OS/OSproperties/OS_105_Klapik/OS_105_Klapik.html">open space behind Long Hill School</a> in Shelton is a great example. There are about 100 acres overall, including woodlands, hayfields, a community garden, and a hiking trail. These human uses do not conflict with wildlife. In fact, they help it.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See the coyote looking for rodents after the field was hayed? (click to enlarge)</td></tr>
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<b>Farming:</b> On this managed open space at Long Hill, we have a local farmer who is able to grow hay. The ability to reap hay is critical for the viability of many farms. Meadows also happen to be a type of habitat in decline throughout Connecticut that some species rely on. Bluebirds are one example.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Community Garden</td></tr>
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<b>Community Garden:</b> We have about thirty people who lease plots at the community garden, which takes up about an acre of the property. Gardeners enjoy tending their plots, and help feed their families fresh, organic produce. The garden is located on a section of hayfield that is designated "prime farmland." The garden is organic, and the gardeners make efforts to attract bees to pollinate their crops. They also put up bird houses to attract birds to eat the insect pests.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking trail</td></tr>
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<b>Walking: </b>People from the neighborhood walk in the open space. Some have a routine of just making a circle around the community garden, which is lined with flowers and has become a sort of scenic feature. Others follow a trail that runs through the wooded sections, or stroll across the series of meadows after they are hayed. Many have dogs that need exercise. The trails have no real impact on the property. The hiking trail passes scenic wetland areas that also serve to improve water quality and reduce flooding.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wetlands in the wooded area improve water quality</td></tr>
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<b>Wildlife:</b> Does all this human activity in any way harm the wildlife? Quite the opposite! Hayfields, meadows, and shrubland are types of habitat in decline throughout Connecticut. I have a plot at the community garden, and can say this property is just bursting with wildlife. I can hike all day through remote woodlands and not see much in the way of wildlife, while a quick stop to the community garden feels like a trip to the zoo.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O98q_At3i0U/VX9I2WbUFwI/AAAAAAAA-RY/1sqfUcfsvts/s1600/46826_1598614569995_2138317_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="347" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O98q_At3i0U/VX9I2WbUFwI/AAAAAAAA-RY/1sqfUcfsvts/s400/46826_1598614569995_2138317_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Monarch butterfly caterpiller on Butterfly Weed, a type of milkweed.</td></tr>
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Milkweed and Butterfly Weed both grow in the hayfield. Although they are cut along with the hay, the roots survive and resprout rapidly. Butterfly Weed is in the milkweed family, and is used by Monarch Butterfly caterpillars.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tree Swallows nesting (successfully) in a garden plot.</td></tr>
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Tree Swallows are a native species that lives in open meadows and uses Blue Bird boxes.The gardeners encourage birds with nest boxes, in part because the birds eat garden pests.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black Swallowtail Butterfly caterpillars love dill planted by the gardeners</td></tr>
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Gardeners have learned to plant plenty of dill. Not only is it a useful herb that readily reseeds, it has big showy flowers that attract bees, and is a host plant for the dramatic Black Swallowtail caterpillar. Another favorite herb is cilantro, which is mobbed by honey bees. Gardeners make an effort to attract bees in order to pollinate their vegetable plants, so there are lots of flowers. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are always rabbits in the hayfield.</td></tr>
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Rabbits and rodents are plentiful in a hayfield, and attract coyote, hawks, bobcat, and other predators.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RZgHBjrDKcI/VX9I19pA4wI/AAAAAAAA-Qs/omf4Y_th1PU/s1600/20150524_183426.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="273" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RZgHBjrDKcI/VX9I19pA4wI/AAAAAAAA-Qs/omf4Y_th1PU/s400/20150524_183426.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tree Swallow (left), Bluebird (right), and bluebird house.</td></tr>
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Until 2015, Blue Birds were seen in the hayfield in the spring, but did not stick around to breed. In 2015, a series of Blue Bird houses were install around the hayfield, and the houses monitored for invasive and aggressive House Sparrows. The sparrows did kill one tree swallow. But for the first time, a pair of Blue Birds stayed at the garden and laid some eggs. Without active management of the open space for them, the Blue Birds were not able to reproduce.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bluebird eggs</td></tr>
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Also in 2015, a Box Turtle spend three days trying to dig the perfect hole in the woodchips placed around the outside of the garden deer fence. We hope she finally succeeded. Without the clearing and woodchips, she may have wandered out to the road looking for a sandy place to lay her eggs. Box Turtles are a species of concern in Connecticut, since they reproduce so slowly.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Box turtle digging holes around the community garden to lay her eggs</td></tr>
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Sadly, the deer population is so high that the wooded parts of the property have been stripped of vegetation below a height of four feet. That includes tree seedlings, so the future of the forest is uncertain. This hurts many species of plants and animals. There are also a lot of coyote in this area, possibly related to the high deer population. Eastern Coyote are part wolf and in some cases may try to take down a deer, although they usually go for the fawns. After the meadow is hayed and the hay bailed, coyote will arrive at dusk to look for any rodents the cutting stirred up (there is a coyote in the photo at the very top if you look closely). This is an area where people need to be especially careful with small dogs.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deer. It's not uncommon to see a dozen of them at a time in the hayfield just beyond the garden.</td></tr>
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Open space management for deer could include a combination of bow hunting and thinning of the forest canopy to let in more light and speed up the growth rate of forest plants. So there are two more potential uses of the open space that would actually help the ecosystem (hunting and wood harvesting).<br />
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Another very commonly seen animal at the garden are turkeys. The gardeners and hikers often hear them gobbling in the spring. They are surprisingly tame, with turkey families often strolling about the meadow just on the other side of the deer fence from the gardeners working in their plots. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turkey are seen and heard very frequently.</td></tr>
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Snakes may not be everyone's favorite, but we've got those, too. When did a little Garter Snake ever hurt anyone? The worst they can do is pee on you when you pick them up.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XeXyw1RHQFI/VX9I3Po0FbI/AAAAAAAA-Rk/MSYdAh1z0cU/s1600/P1140111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XeXyw1RHQFI/VX9I3Po0FbI/AAAAAAAA-Rk/MSYdAh1z0cU/s400/P1140111.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Garden snake sunning on the garden drive in early spring.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628471774296555013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090053058310584097.post-76180837187993474572015-05-27T21:39:00.000-04:002015-05-27T21:58:21.321-04:00Interview with the Shelton Bear<i>On May 14, I was downtown parked along the roadway, when I looked up and saw the bear out my window. The bear had slipped away from the police that were up the road trying to keep an eye on him until the CT DEEP arrived. This was a great opportunity to ask a few questions. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A8GhgDb41tA/VWZw-42leeI/AAAAAAAA81g/Xwt7rpv_VKo/s1600/Bear%2Bon%2BFairfield%2BAve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A8GhgDb41tA/VWZw-42leeI/AAAAAAAA81g/Xwt7rpv_VKo/s400/Bear%2Bon%2BFairfield%2BAve.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bear appeared outside my car window while I was parked downtown. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><br /></i>
<i>Hey there, bear! </i><br />
Oh hey. I think I slipped the cops.<br />
<br />
<i>May I ask a few questions?</i> <br />
Whatever. What's that I smell in your car?<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Umm...a breakfast bar wrapper? So....where did you come from? You seemed to just suddenly appear in Shelton one day. </i><br />
I came from the north. I don't know where, I'm a bear. Got any birdseed?<br />
<br />
<i>No. Tell me, why did you come out of the forest and start hanging around houses?</i><br />
It was my mom! One day she was licking my face and all happy, and the next day she was chasing me and growling and snapping. She didn't do it to my sister, just me. It's SO unfair. I kept trying to come back, but she wouldn't let me. And I'm like, 'What do I do?? Where do I go??? I'm just a kid!' Nothing. She just didn't care about me any more. I felt so alone.<br />
<br />
<i>So what DID you do? </i><br />
I had to start looking for food. Mom used to bring us to the food, but I wasn't really paying attention. I'm just a kid! I didn't know I was supposed to know all of this already! I did remember that in the spring we just ate stuff that was sprouting out of the ground, like lots and lots of SALAD, right? And I found some tolerable herbs and started eating, but suddenly a big daddy-bear started chasing me, and I'm pretty sure he was going to kill me. I escaped...into another bear's territory. Long story short, I kept running into more Daddy bear areas and I just had to keep moving before they could catch me. So I just kept going and going.<br />
<br />
<i>I'm so sorry. That's seems pretty traumatic.</i><br />
Right?! Then one day I was so hungry and tired I could barely walk, and I came upon some human dens, and all around the dens were the most delicious stashes of food imaginable. I used to be too scared, but this time I was just too hungry and I marched right up there. My favorite were the bird feeders. Delicious! I can't believe my mom never showed me this. She was always scared of humans. 'Don't go out in the day', she would always say, 'they might see you'. That's moms for you: paranoid. And guess what, when I got close to the human dens, there weren't any Daddy bear markings. Bonus! No attack bears, and lots of food. What's not to like? And there was all kinds of incredible food I found hiding in garbage cans. There were even nice little bowls of pet food left out on the porches. Amazing!<br />
<br />
So I'm like a genius, right? None of the adult bears have figured this out, apparently. Sometimes the humans do come out, but they run back into their dens and hide. They're scared of me. Ha! Well, until today, anyways. I don't really know what's going on here. There seem to be a lot more humans than usual. I'm not sure which way to go.<br />
<br />
<i>Eating all that cheap bird seed and garbage food, aren't you worried about nutrition? What about all the vitamins bears normally get from eating all those spring greens?</i> <br />
Are you kidding me? BIRDSEED!!<br />
<br />
<i>Right. Hey, how did you get that cut?</i> <br />
I could tell you but then I'd have to kill you. And I can do that. I'm a bear.<br />
<br />
<i>I don't believe you would kill me, you seem very sweet. </i><br />
Shhhh. Do you have any hamburgers? I keep smelling them on the grill.<br />
<br />
<i>No, sorry.</i> <br />
How about some pet food? Or scraps of bread? Or melon rinds? I love that stuff. Peanut butter?<br />
<br />
<i>No. You really should go back to the woods for your own sake.</i> <br />
I don't want to. I like it here with the humans. There is so much food. And there are some really intense smells coming from kitchens. I'd like to explore that. It's on my bucket list. I'm trying to work up my courage to go inside.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UFhL58Qgt8Q/VWZ10oWTlGI/AAAAAAAA81w/mV3ElvK8kq4/s1600/P1220067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UFhL58Qgt8Q/VWZ10oWTlGI/AAAAAAAA81w/mV3ElvK8kq4/s400/P1220067.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Route 8 fence near Daybreak Lane provides wildlife with a convenient passageway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i><br /></i>
<i>(Sigh). Hey, can I ask why you keep going up and down the Route 8 corridor? Were you trying to get across the highway or what?</i> <br />
I was thinking about it. But the cars were pretty scary. And I kept getting distracted by so much delicious food. Also, there's a really nice wooded travel path along that fence. The cars are close by, but they stay on the road, so I just keep walking along the fence through the woods until I smell something good to eat.<br />
<br />
<i>Do you have a name?</i> No, but I have a unique smell.<br />
<br />
<i>Is there anything that bothers you about the houses? </i><br />
The dogs and cats. I wish the dogs would just shut up with all their stupid barking, but it's really the cats that terrify me.<br />
<br />
<i>Cats?</i> <br />
They are truly frightening. And they can climb trees.<br />
<br />
<i>OK, I think the CT DEEP is coming and they are going to take you for a little ride back to the forest.</i> <i>It's because you're downtown. It's just not a good situation. </i><br />
Wait, what? No! I like it here! Let me think.... a TREE! I'll climb a TREE! They'll never get me up there. It's my safe place. See ya! And thanks for the heads up.Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628471774296555013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090053058310584097.post-62817873770178554102015-05-19T22:32:00.002-04:002015-05-27T08:43:19.759-04:00The Shelton Bear Part I - TimelineAlthough there is more than one bear in Shelton, there is only one "Shelton Bear." Some called him Yogi, or Boo Boo, but most just called him "the Shelton Bear."<br />
<br />
For two weeks, Shelton residents were riveted by the sudden appearance of this bold bruin foraging along streets and in backyards in broad daylight. Photos of the bear were everywhere. Facebook statuses consisted of, "I just saw the bear!" His movements were tracked. He made the Channel 12 Nightly News when he turned up in Stratford. But after he wandered into downtown Shelton for the second time, the CT DEEP tranquilized him and returned him to the forest.<br />
<br />
The bear turned out to be a male yearling weighing just 100 lbs (he was incorrectly reported as a female in the Herald -- I verified this with the CT DEEP). This is the time of year that mother bears drive their yearling sons out of their territory. The youngster is in peril as he tries to find enough food to eat while fleeing from adult male bears, which may try to kill him. Male yearlings may travel over 100 miles, and resort to foraging in marginal bear habitats such as urban areas.<br />
<br />
<h3>
<b>Two Weeks of Crazy</b></h3>
<b>Thursday, 4/30:</b> It all started one morning when I got an email that a friend of a friend had seen a bear on Mill Street at about 8:00 am. This is in my neighborhood. Another friend soon emailed a great picture taken by her neighbor of a bear on Wesley Drive, also in my neighborhood, around 7:00 am.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n5zriomZA1k/VVvcKXNBGeI/AAAAAAAA8Q0/hJNG9hnjwYE/s1600/Bear%2Bon%2BWesley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n5zriomZA1k/VVvcKXNBGeI/AAAAAAAA8Q0/hJNG9hnjwYE/s400/Bear%2Bon%2BWesley.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first photo, taken on Wesley Drive, went viral<br />
(not sure who took the photo)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I posted the bear photo on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sheltontrailscom">Shelton Trails & Conservation Facebook Page</a>, and it instantly went viral. By the end of the day, the photo had been shared with over 25,000 people, the highest number of any post for our page. Others began posting about their bear sightings. Several had seen the bear unsuccessfully trying to cross busy Bridgeport Avenue. One account had the bear going out into traffic, stopping, and going back the way he came. Another had him rolling down a dirt embankment to the road. Yet another reported seeing the bear to the north on Bronson Drive at dawn. <br />
<br />
I drew up a <a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zFhJb6Rzm3q8.kb2QwhR_Mf9M&usp=sharing">Google Map</a> of the bear sightings. He seemed to have raced down from the north, where there is lots of forest and farms, until he arrived at Bridgeport Avenue during morning rush hour. On the map, these are the red markers coming down from the upper left.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nf8COQYDRHI/VVvaGjBKl5I/AAAAAAAA8Qo/OrQaNlTJrTo/s1600/Bear%2Bmap%2Bscreenshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="307" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nf8COQYDRHI/VVvaGjBKl5I/AAAAAAAA8Qo/OrQaNlTJrTo/s400/Bear%2Bmap%2Bscreenshot.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screenshot of bear sightings map (<a href="https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=zFhJb6Rzm3q8.kb2QwhR_Mf9M&usp=sharing">click to see full map</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
At some point he did finally make it across Bridgeport Avenue, and later that afternoon he appeared in a meadow next to Long Hill Cross Road. The responding Police officers kept an eye on him until he headed into the woods. And then he was unexpectedly seen along Old Stratford Road near the Outback Steakhouse restaurant and BP gas station, right next to Exit 12 for Route 8. This was an odd place for a bear to be spotted.<br />
<br />
And then he disappeared for three days. At the time, I figured he was just passing through and was in some other town for good. I now suspect he was roaming around the forests of northern Stratford. Maybe the Merritt Parkway and dense housing pushed him back towards Shelton.<br />
<br />
<b>Monday evening (5/4)</b> he suddenly reappeared, pushing garbage cans around Daybreak Lane, just across Route 8 from where he was last seen. Route 8 is a limited access highway protected by a chain link fence, but there is an underpass at Exit 12 where the bear could have walked under the highway. He could also just climb over the fence, too.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oz7iZEg88bU/VVvdkovLJgI/AAAAAAAA8RA/V8MUa6UzFhs/s1600/Daybreak%2BLane%2Bwith%2Bfeeder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oz7iZEg88bU/VVvdkovLJgI/AAAAAAAA8RA/V8MUa6UzFhs/s400/Daybreak%2BLane%2Bwith%2Bfeeder.jpg" width="380" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eating birdseed on Daybreak Lane (photo by Robin Friend)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Tuesday (5/5)</b> he was back on Daybreak Lane at bird feeders and garbage cans. I received a second-hand report that a resident had witnessed a fight between three bears in his back yard, with the smaller one being injured. That's coincidentally when a long gash appeared on the left hind quarters of our extraverted friend, so maybe it was true. The wound became a handy marker that verified we were seeing the same bear. I was not able to verify the account of a bear fight.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tAe3s9CJx1I/VVvfjf32ssI/AAAAAAAA8RM/iVYWRMipNnk/s1600/Daybreak%2Bwith%2Binjury.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="250" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tAe3s9CJx1I/VVvfjf32ssI/AAAAAAAA8RM/iVYWRMipNnk/s400/Daybreak%2Bwith%2Binjury.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An big gash appeared Tuesday, possibly from a bear fight (photo by Robin Friend I think)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Wednesday (5/6) </b>he was still on Daybreak Lane nursing his wound. A resident explained his routine to me. She could predict what time he would be at each house. Another resident called me at City Hall because the bear was in her backyard hanging around her pool for hours. She was afraid to go outside. The bear got her garbage early on, and was apparently looking to get lucky again. This was a theme: If the bear found food once, he would be back again. And again. That evening I drove down to Daybreak Lane to try and observe the bear, but he never showed up. I did notice plenty of residents out walking and working in their yards, so it would seem that most people weren't too concerned.<br />
<br />
<b>Thursday morning (5/7)</b> he had finally moved on to the north and was outside a daycare center on Long Hill Cross Road next to Route 8. I just happened to drive by and see the Police seeming to guard the center, peering into the woods, and had a feeling the bear was there. They had called the DEEP, but the bear was gone by the time the DEEP arrived. The Police seemed to be getting a little frustrated with the bear at this point. Shelton residents were not accustomed to seeing a bear in their yard, and many called 911.<br />
<br />
<b>Friday (5/8)</b> he continued north up the Route 8 corridor, where he was spotted in an industrial park along Platt Road, and later on Long Hill Avenue near the Board of Education offices, where he was raiding bird feeders.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fa_7Y5GOk48/VVvgihpmVzI/AAAAAAAA8RY/ooAOLYtnJd0/s1600/Bear%2Bon%2BWakelee%2BTerrace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fa_7Y5GOk48/VVvgihpmVzI/AAAAAAAA8RY/ooAOLYtnJd0/s400/Bear%2Bon%2BWakelee%2BTerrace.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foraging downtown off Wakelee Terrace, Route 8 in the background<br />
(Photo posted by Katherine O'Toole)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>Saturday (5/9)</b> there was a flurry of sightings as he continued north along Long Hill Avenue and the Route 8 corridor, strolling through the middle of Long Hill Burying Ground and venturing into the edge of downtown Shelton up to about where Long Hill Ave passes under Route 8. One woman I spoke with said the bear was walking along the Route 8 fence on the Route 8 side, while she was walking her dog on the other side. Apparently her dog was not too happy about this. This was all in the middle of the day! By evening he had turned around and was back on Long Hill Avenue near the Board of Ed offices once again. He then got <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sheltonbear">his own Facebook page</a>, where he is listed as a comedian. As of this post, the page has 1,280 followers.<br />
<br />
<b>Tuesday (5/12)</b> We had a heat wave for a few days, and the bear seemed to just disappeared until he was spotted by Shelton residents on a <a href="http://connecticut.news12.com/news/bear-spotted-in-stratford-1.10425263">News Channel 12 video of a bear at Beaver Dam Lake</a> Road in Stratford on Tuesday. The wound on his haunches was distinctive - this was "our" bear. It might be that the heat kept him travelling at night.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hhDAVbannYY/VVvjWNVoXTI/AAAAAAAA8Rk/vooIkFVd1WE/s1600/bear%2Bstanding%2Bup%2Beating%2Bleaves%2Bmaybe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="380" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hhDAVbannYY/VVvjWNVoXTI/AAAAAAAA8Rk/vooIkFVd1WE/s400/bear%2Bstanding%2Bup%2Beating%2Bleaves%2Bmaybe.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On Daybreak Lane (photo by Robin Friend)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On <b>Wednesday afternoon (5/13)</b> he was back on Daybreak Lane, once again foraging from garbage cans that had been set out along the street for pickup. He didn't stick around this time, but head back north again along the Route 8 corridor. That evening he was spotted on Old Mill Road and then he was back at the daycare center on Long Hill Cross Road, where <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jason.hoefflinger/videos/10205788380685373/">this video was taken</a>.<br />
<br />
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Spotted him today on long hill cross rd behind apple tree day care at 8:05 pm<br />
Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jason.hoefflinger">Jason Hoefflinger</a> on Wednesday, May 13, 2015</blockquote>
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<br />
<br />
<b>Thursday (5/14)</b>, his last day in Shelton, he was out foraging bright and early along Long Hill Avenue near the Board of Ed once again, then emptied a garbage can behind a house at the corner of Long Hill Ave and Constitution Blvd. where he had previous found bird seed. He spent the afternoon near this house, reappearing multiple times when least expected.<br />
<br />
And then he was spotted downtown during evening rush hour traffic. I saw a post on Facebook from someone who had just seen the bear on Fairfield Avenue, and decided to try and get a look. I especially wanted to see how the bear acted in this urban environment and how he reacted to the presence of people. The video taken the evening before seemed to show he still had a healthy fear of people, which is good.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LFFDbWXbesA/VVvqB8QB4iI/AAAAAAAA8SI/HTmxSAaxFYo/s1600/P1220071.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LFFDbWXbesA/VVvqB8QB4iI/AAAAAAAA8SI/HTmxSAaxFYo/s400/P1220071.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There he is! (my photo)</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I arrived at the location and didn't see anything for at least 15 minutes. All was calm. People were coming home from work or watering their lawns, and I talked to a few people, warning them about the bear. Eventually I came up behind a patrol car driving very slowly, obviously looking for the bear, and then the bear appeared, scurrying across a lawn and climbing up between a shed and tree and over a 6-foot tall privacy fence (photo above). It was pretty impressive, and now he was inside a tiny back yard completely enclosed by a privacy fence. Going around the block, there were two patrol cars stopped in front of the house with the privacy fence. I drove past and stopped, and then a man ran out in the road waving and pointing. I drove in his direction, and sure enough the bear had climbed back out over the privacy fence and was heading down the block between houses. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7kGyUcMTMPw/VVvpx3StqRI/AAAAAAAA8SA/30LPf2yol_E/s1600/P1220074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7kGyUcMTMPw/VVvpx3StqRI/AAAAAAAA8SA/30LPf2yol_E/s400/P1220074.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dodging the cops (my photo)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Snapping a few pictures (above), I suddenly noticed a little girl all by herself standing on the front porch with the bear right behind the home. I got out and asked her to go inside, which she did, and then the patrol cars moved up.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sri0vQruIH0/VVvscfszvAI/AAAAAAAA8SU/uSsOT0A3opE/s1600/Bear%2Bon%2BFairfield%2BAve.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Sri0vQruIH0/VVvscfszvAI/AAAAAAAA8SU/uSsOT0A3opE/s400/Bear%2Bon%2BFairfield%2BAve.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He just appeared outside my passenger side window.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At that point, I drove down to the end of the street to get out of the way and parked so I could check my phone messages. And when I looked up, the bear was right outside my passenger door window, posing in the late day sun. He looked a bit bewildered, and then turned around the way he came. In the meantime, cars were pulling onto the street. Some were people coming home from work and asked me what was going on. But others had the look of sightseers, and suddenly there seemed to be a lot of them. I figured the last thing the Police needed was a crowd of onlookers, so I left. I was very uneasy about the bear feeling surrounded and cornered downtown with all the onlookers.<br />
<br />
What happened next was broadcast in real time via Facebook by people who lived in the neighborhood. The bear fled the growing crowd of onlookers (who were apparently mostly from the neighborhood) and climbed up a tree. Eventually the CT DEEP arrived and darted the nervous bear, who fell maybe 30 feet out of the tree with a big thud.<br />
<br />
Some really great photos of the event were taken by Marcin Stawiarski, a wildlife photographer from Shelton, and posted on the Shelton Herald. Here are a few:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-URv8ggNpSX0/VVvwW1X7F0I/AAAAAAAA8Sw/a6PzBcyipuw/s1600/Shelton-BearCaughtMs7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="262" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-URv8ggNpSX0/VVvwW1X7F0I/AAAAAAAA8Sw/a6PzBcyipuw/s400/Shelton-BearCaughtMs7.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is my favorite. (Photo by Marcin Stawiarski)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1uyd65xGID8/VVvwWwjQfGI/AAAAAAAA8Ss/BlLjjvv794U/s1600/Shelton-BearCaughtMs6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1uyd65xGID8/VVvwWwjQfGI/AAAAAAAA8Ss/BlLjjvv794U/s400/Shelton-BearCaughtMs6.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Treed! (Photo by Marcin Stawiarski)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sHOGazh__CA/VVvvPibVkfI/AAAAAAAA8Sg/TnOY_AgUlD0/s1600/Shelton-BearCaughtMs3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="322" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sHOGazh__CA/VVvvPibVkfI/AAAAAAAA8Sg/TnOY_AgUlD0/s400/Shelton-BearCaughtMs3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally captured (photo by Marcin Stawiarski)</td></tr>
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This all occurred just three blocks from City Hall where budget hearings were taking place with press coverage. Here are some articles that soon appeared in the Shelton Herald:<br />
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<a href="http://www.sheltonherald.com/68803/tonight-shelton-bear-is-caught-and-is-being-taken-elsewhere/">THURSDAY NIGHT: Shelton Bear is caught and taken elsewhere</a><br />
<a href="http://www.sheltonherald.com/68866/bear-capture-in-shelton-turns-into-a-neighborhood-event-in-shelton/">Bear capture in Shelton turns into a neighborhood event</a><br />
<a href="http://www.sheltonherald.com/68818/%EF%BB%BFgreat-photos-bear-is-tranquilized-caught-and-taken-away-in-shelton-tonight/">PHOTOS: Bear is tranquilized and taken away Thursday Night</a><br />
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<b>The next day,</b> I emailed one of the responding CT DEEP Officers Jeffry Samorajczyk, who provided the following info on our bear: "The bear was a young male (approximately 16-18 months old) and about 100 pounds. The bear was fine after being relocated. The officers did not ear tag the bear upon reaching their destination as it was beginning to wake up. They were however able to treat the pre-existing wound on its left hip. They stayed with the bear until it was mobile and checked the release site this morning to make sure it had left the area. It had."<br />
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[EDIT] <b>Follow-up: </b>Photos of the bear in Newtown surfaced on the Shelton Bear's Facebook Page on May 21, one week after he was transported. He was, of course, eating from bird feeders and peering into windows. His wound appeared to be healing.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aHUeC7pd2gM/VWW7oVcrn0I/AAAAAAAA8xI/3eKjXT2CTo4/s1600/bear%2Bin%2Bnewtown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aHUeC7pd2gM/VWW7oVcrn0I/AAAAAAAA8xI/3eKjXT2CTo4/s400/bear%2Bin%2Bnewtown.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In Newtown, as post on his <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sheltonbear">Facebook page</a>.</td></tr>
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<br />Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628471774296555013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090053058310584097.post-29858580508109704052014-12-07T17:06:00.001-05:002015-03-18T15:43:32.274-04:00The Split Rock Traffic Turkey <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Update March 18, 2015: The Split Rock Turkey was reported hit by a car some time in the past week. She had wandered south along Bridgeport Avenue near Dutchess and the Town of Trumbull. Her survival through the long hard winter while living in the middle of Bridgeport Avenue and Commerce Drive was remarkable.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lg8zriEEPso/VMazyC9YImI/AAAAAAAA28U/8_AtKIdV1Wc/s1600/Turkey%2Bat%2BSplit%2BRock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lg8zriEEPso/VMazyC9YImI/AAAAAAAA28U/8_AtKIdV1Wc/s1600/Turkey%2Bat%2BSplit%2BRock.jpg" height="286" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just having a little fun with this one... (photo from 1/25/2015)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MXTej_XPtOY/VIS6gABt68I/AAAAAAAA0cw/SRKjT0SiR4M/s1600/P1210835.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MXTej_XPtOY/VIS6gABt68I/AAAAAAAA0cw/SRKjT0SiR4M/s1600/P1210835.JPG" height="285" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Disregard the traffic lights - you can go when she lets you.</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">A lone turkey hen has taken over the busy corner of Bridgeport Avenue and Commerce Drive, also known as "Split Rock." If you live or work in Shelton, you've probably seen her. She struts back and forth across the intersection, day and night, acting like she's a traffic cop. She doesn't appear to be crossing the road so much as patrolling it. Or maybe she's just hungry and confused, but I get a feeling she owns that intersection. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GDBlI1SVXAo/VIS6gFAe5cI/AAAAAAAA0co/cfoc8_Xb4yQ/s1600/P1210833.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GDBlI1SVXAo/VIS6gFAe5cI/AAAAAAAA0co/cfoc8_Xb4yQ/s1600/P1210833.JPG" height="277" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen of the Corner</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I first heard about this Tragically Tamed Turkey shortly before Thanksgiving and wondered if anyone would try and catch her for their holiday table setting. No one did, but someone did grab a similar urban turkey in Bridgeport that people had been feeding (and taming), making the front page of the CT Post ("<a href="http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Murder-most-fowl-Bridgeport-s-wild-turkey-killed-5915198.php">A Murder Most Fowl</a>"). It was so tame that the culprits were reportedly able to chase it down by foot and snap its neck, something a person could never do to a truly wild turkey. Wild turkey are very fast, very wary, and highly intelligent (also, they can fly). </span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dKOX1WYF1mU/VIS6gJt2FOI/AAAAAAAA0ck/ipmgLoxorQY/s1600/P1210838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dKOX1WYF1mU/VIS6gJt2FOI/AAAAAAAA0ck/ipmgLoxorQY/s1600/P1210838.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drivers watch this girl with concern on their faces</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">It's a testament to the general good will of people that this bird continues to stroll about one of the busiest intersections in Shelton. Wildlife in traffic has an amazing ability to make people smile. They can be driving around absorbed in the tasks of their hectic day, rushing to get someplace, and all the sudden a turkey or a family of geese or whatever goes into the road and everyone stops what they're doing and patiently waits for them to pass. Next time this happens, take a look at the faces of the people in the cars. Most of them will be smiling. In this particular case, however, people seem more alarmed and concerned. How is this bird still alive? What if someone hits her? What if she causes a car accident? A few people actually honked their horns at her. </span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uHPT2DAlHIw/VIS6gvJqiXI/AAAAAAAA0cs/-rk6el3aqAQ/s1600/P1210839.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uHPT2DAlHIw/VIS6gvJqiXI/AAAAAAAA0cs/-rk6el3aqAQ/s1600/P1210839.JPG" height="253" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"A fed animal is a dead animal." Poor girl probably isn't long for this world.</td></tr>
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She doesn't appear aggressive towards cars or people, which can reportedly happen on occasion. Turkey have a strict pecking order, and sometimes a tamed bird will start thinking people are part of this pecking order and act accordingly. If they sense a person is high in the pecking order they will defer, but if the person seems weak, then it's time for the turkey to establish dominance. She's certainly not afraid of people, though, or cars. She walked up to within twenty feet of me.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ym0Yvw3D9dg/VIS6gjW_2LI/AAAAAAAA0c0/w9PUMZooMvw/s1600/P1210847.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ym0Yvw3D9dg/VIS6gjW_2LI/AAAAAAAA0c0/w9PUMZooMvw/s1600/P1210847.JPG" height="308" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Now we know what the "PLUS" stands for. </td></tr>
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How did she get this way? I'm sure she is being fed by well-intentioned people who think they are doing a good deed. It might be in the form of bird feeders (there are condos nearby) or people may be throwing out bread and corn and scraps, quite possibly people are even throwing food out at her from their cars. She may also be finding garbage and food-litter from the restaurants. Either way, the direct result is a bird that is dangerously tame. Not only is she a hazard to herself, but she might cause a car accident and people could get hurt. Try not to cringe while watching this video of her in traffic:<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AtjRn1-r7-A" width="350"></iframe></div>
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"A fed animal is a dead animal." Please, everyone, respect wildlife by not feeding the animals! Here's a great webpage about "<a href="http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dfg/dfw/fish-wildlife-plants/mammals/preventing-conflicts-with-turkeys.html">Preventing Conflicts with Wild Turkeys</a>."<br />
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UPDATE 12/10/2014: This blog post was forwarded to the CT DEEP, with the following response from their Turkey Program biologist (many thanks to the DEEP for their response): <i><span style="background: white; color: #141823; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 10.5pt;">In <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Connecticut</st1:place></st1:state>, we have a
population of over 30,000 wild<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span class="textexposedshow">turkeys statewide. From time to time I receive reports of
wild turkeys in urban areas that are creating problems. These situations are
often created by well-meaning people who feed the turkeys. The take home
message to all is DO NOT FEED WILDLIFE. The woodlands of <st1:state w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Connecticut</st1:place></st1:state> have ample food available to all
wildlife species. In the case of wild turkeys, it is particularly important not
to feed the birds because when fed in a confined area there exists an enhanced
chance of disease being passed from bird to bird and, at times, the turkeys may
become aggressive towards people. Let wildlife remain wild and do not make them
into pets.</span></i><br />
<i><span class="textexposedshow"><br /></span></i>
<span class="textexposedshow">UPDATE 12/28/2014: She still lives! I am working on a patch design for Shelton Clean Sweep 2015 based on one of the pictures above:</span><br />
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<span class="textexposedshow"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JuZdaoZYINE/VKGpnI3hDaI/AAAAAAAA1Rw/CheSxtfOuVQ/s1600/CLEAN%2BSWEEP%2B2015%2BPATCH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JuZdaoZYINE/VKGpnI3hDaI/AAAAAAAA1Rw/CheSxtfOuVQ/s1600/CLEAN%2BSWEEP%2B2015%2BPATCH.jpg" height="281" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628471774296555013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090053058310584097.post-39987520631317231202014-11-08T15:43:00.001-05:002014-11-10T13:45:17.036-05:00Bushinsky Arboretum, Shelton<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FIf-VoiMsJI/VF5vH94QjqI/AAAAAAAAySk/NhnL0BAvb_c/s1600/20141108_125902.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FIf-VoiMsJI/VF5vH94QjqI/AAAAAAAAySk/NhnL0BAvb_c/s1600/20141108_125902.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bushinsky Arboretum entrance on Shelton Road</td></tr>
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Here's a peaceful <a href="http://sheltonlandtrust.org/">Land Trust</a> property on the Shelton/Trumbull line you don't quite expect right off of the busy intersection of Bridgeport Avenue and Huntington Street. It's only four acres, but the pond and landscaping are picturesque. Turning down the Bushinsky driveway off of Shelton Road, one enters a completely different world. (Note that Bridgeport Ave. changes its name to Shelton <strike>Ave</strike> Road as it heads south into Trumbull). You will need to click on the panorama below to really see it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ddhVLk6LLIg/VF5vHi1hyPI/AAAAAAAAySc/-lrmpi20cm8/s1600/20141108_125813.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ddhVLk6LLIg/VF5vHi1hyPI/AAAAAAAAySc/-lrmpi20cm8/s1600/20141108_125813.jpg" height="66" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Panorama showing the contrast between the arboretum and the busy intersection.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cQgBu3SA3A0/VF5vFDEkPBI/AAAAAAAAyRs/bN498lITVgw/s1600/20141108_124650.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cQgBu3SA3A0/VF5vFDEkPBI/AAAAAAAAyRs/bN498lITVgw/s1600/20141108_124650.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A peaceful retreat</td></tr>
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This property formerly held the Bushinsky's home, but the house was a maintenance issue and removed, leaving just the landscaping and pond. Volunteers with the Land Trust have made a lot of progress cleaning it up the past few years, but there is now a proposal to squeeze 22 condominiums on just 2.1 acres on the adjacent property. A wall of condos overlooking this peaceful retreat would be very sad. The proposal is not "as of right" since the area is zoned for one-acre residential homes, but the Planning and Zoning Commission has the right to grant a PDD overlay zone, which essentially removes all the zoning restrictions. By the way, I should note that the Shelton Land Trust is a private 501c3 non-profit organization (many people confuse it with the City of Shelton). </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEhTUbIJs9E/VF5vE-gawAI/AAAAAAAAyRk/WiTmpCoUccs/s1600/20141108_124515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZEhTUbIJs9E/VF5vE-gawAI/AAAAAAAAyRk/WiTmpCoUccs/s1600/20141108_124515.jpg" height="215" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plaque on the entrance sign</td></tr>
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The plaque on the entrance sign reads:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
"BUSHINSKY ARBORETUM" </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This property was a gift to the Shelton Land Conservation Trust, Inc. by </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mr. and Mrs. Edward Bushinsky, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to be protected and maintained as a nature preserve for the benefit and enjoyment of all.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wZP83iuD9bc/VF5vGmDP6VI/AAAAAAAAySI/Sl_blrVBCmc/s1600/20141108_125334-EFFECTS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wZP83iuD9bc/VF5vGmDP6VI/AAAAAAAAySI/Sl_blrVBCmc/s1600/20141108_125334-EFFECTS.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pond - Google suggested this artsy edit for me.</td></tr>
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The pond is obviously pretty shallow and is covered with green duck weed in the photos. It is long and narrow, extending north onto the neighboring property where they want to build the condos. The photo above is looking south towards Trumbull. The photo below is the same spot, but looking north to where they want to build condos. (Click <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/sh/9ot5a7mo1i9xk5n/AAAaK42JJ3WF8SDvi5PyPZKYa?dl=0">here</a> to see additional documents related to the proposal). </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EpOOHsigFNc/VF6AAiTaoEI/AAAAAAAAyTc/SYl9SzESfiw/s1600/20141108_125345.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EpOOHsigFNc/VF6AAiTaoEI/AAAAAAAAyTc/SYl9SzESfiw/s1600/20141108_125345.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The backdrop here may be all condos some day :(</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-elr-pPpTtD8/VF57Qr02EyI/AAAAAAAAyTQ/QWaSjE577xs/s1600/VCOG%2Baerial%2Bannotated.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-elr-pPpTtD8/VF57Qr02EyI/AAAAAAAAyTQ/QWaSjE577xs/s1600/VCOG%2Baerial%2Bannotated.jpg" height="262" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aerial showing where the 22 condos would be built</td></tr>
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If you are local and haven't visited this property yet, I suggest you do it now before the condos are built.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-99LqIeIXNJg/VF5vFvLOVcI/AAAAAAAAyRw/SBLZOeQvAJ8/s1600/20141108_124734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-99LqIeIXNJg/VF5vFvLOVcI/AAAAAAAAyRw/SBLZOeQvAJ8/s1600/20141108_124734.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice place to read a book</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aloUlvcSPuM/VF5vF-bIavI/AAAAAAAAyR0/1tE6Bk_--LA/s1600/20141108_124846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aloUlvcSPuM/VF5vF-bIavI/AAAAAAAAyR0/1tE6Bk_--LA/s1600/20141108_124846.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628471774296555013noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090053058310584097.post-43172185854728103652014-08-15T21:20:00.000-04:002014-08-15T21:27:43.077-04:00Bar Harbor Blueberry Barrens<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bcv2guv4vs4/U-gW6DXCXCI/AAAAAAAAwpg/3k_efYjJQfA/s1600/P1210161.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bcv2guv4vs4/U-gW6DXCXCI/AAAAAAAAwpg/3k_efYjJQfA/s1600/P1210161.JPG" height="241" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hillside of campground blueberries overlooking Frenchman's Bay</td></tr>
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One of our fondest memories of <a href="http://www.thebarharborcampground.com/">Bar Harbor Campground</a> is the hillside covered in blueberries overlooking Frenchman's Bay to the north (by the way, if you click on the campground link, I think there is a very good chance that the orange tent in the bottom center photo is ours). The blueberries were particularly prolific this year.<br />
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Throughout the hillside is an distinctive assortment of plants making a living, several of which I wasn't too familiar with, so I thought I'd record what plants were growing there. We just love being up on that hill - the view, the plants, the singing birds. So, for somewhat sentimental reasons, I give you some of the plants.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lowbush blueberry - the best crop I've ever seen. </td></tr>
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Of course the big draw here are the wild blueberries, also known as lowbush blueberries. There are a variety of lowbush blueberry species and I can't tell them apart. A few years ago a resident expert of blueberry picking was telling my son about the nuances between the various species, and claimed there were several there on the hillside, each with its own flavor. I really have no idea. The most common species is Late Lowbush Blueberry <i>(Vaccinium Angustifolium)</i>, and that's probably what most of the blueberries were.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blueberry Barrens at Bar Harbor Campground, Hulls Cove, Maine</td></tr>
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"Blueberry Barrens" are <a href="http://www.maine.gov/dacf/mnap/features/communities/blueberrybarren.htm">described by the State of Maine on their website</a>, and I think this hillside fits that description. I'm assuming the owners of the campground do something to keep the hillside open, because I see a variety of tree saplings popping up quite vigorously. They may burn it over periodically, for example, or just go in and cut the trees that are trying to grow in. Burning is great for blueberries, by the way.<br />
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Many of these plants are very typical of Northern New England. Which I sentimentally equate with being on vacation. These are all, therefore, lovely plants :) </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z2-zJjmwlxM/U-gYOVC_F9I/AAAAAAAAwqc/wa2vyDvFBmU/s1600/P1210168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z2-zJjmwlxM/U-gYOVC_F9I/AAAAAAAAwqc/wa2vyDvFBmU/s1600/P1210168.JPG" height="318" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meadowsweet <i>(Spirea alba)</i></td></tr>
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Meadowsweet is a favorite of Northern New England, and is related to a number of other Spirea species that are used in landscaping. This one is native, however, unlike some gardening favorites (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spiraea_japonica">such as Japanese Spirea</a>). </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-27suBUP00fY/U-gW5Y3dUsI/AAAAAAAAwpY/lBmK1Rj67z8/s1600/P1210159.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-27suBUP00fY/U-gW5Y3dUsI/AAAAAAAAwpY/lBmK1Rj67z8/s1600/P1210159.JPG" height="277" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bunchberry Dogwood or Dwarf Dogwood <i>(Cornus Canadensis)</i></td></tr>
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One of the most eye-catching plants are the tiny dogwoods with clumps of bright red berries. My son ate some those berries once as a toddler. I'm happy to report he didn't get sick. This one has a lot of common names, mostly having to do with being a dogwood or being found in Canada. It's odd that this tiny plant is in fact a dogwood and therefore closely related to shrubs and small trees. The Latin genus name for dogwoods is Cornus, which is translated as "hard (as in wood)." So the species name <i>Cornus Canadensis</i> translates to what....Hard Canadian? </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HSpHIyuhwmQ/U-gWvmCPT5I/AAAAAAAAwnw/WTYUkl7t7PA/s1600/P1210123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HSpHIyuhwmQ/U-gWvmCPT5I/AAAAAAAAwnw/WTYUkl7t7PA/s1600/P1210123.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reindeer moss (a lichen) and wintergreen <i>(Gaultheria procumbens)</i></td></tr>
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There is a lot of very stunted vegetation and lichen on the hillside, no doubt related to all the rock. In some places there is no soil at all, and in others the soil is barely there. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock. </td></tr>
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May I digress about the rock? It's always there, just under foot, and it clearly plays a major part in how things grow here. I've never known quite what it was, but it's very different from the rest of the island, nothing like the famous pink granite of Cadillac Mountain, and it reminds me of the rock underlying the Flint Hills of Kansas. (Flint, that is. This rock at the campground can break into shards with sharp edges like flint). The <a href="http://www.maine.gov/dacf/mgs/pubs/online/bedrock/bd-bulletin38.pdf">geology map</a> says it's the Bar Harbor Formation, which is composed of sandstones and siltstones that often show obvious bedding layers. If you say so, but I'm not seeing it. Looking into the matter further for this blog post, however, I now see the bedrock maps says this is "Ireson Hill", and by Googling that I find <a href="http://www.maine.gov/dacf/mgs/explore/bedrock/acadia/strat.htm">this page</a> that says, <i>"</i><i>The rocks found along the shore at The Ovens and in the road-cuts along Route 3 at Ireson Hill on the northern side of the island also belong to the Bar Harbor Formation, but here the rock is flint-like and bedding is difficult or impossible to see. Some of these rocks are believed to be accumulations of ash that settled out of the atmosphere after a volcanic eruption." </i>Thank you. Now I don't feel so stupid. Not only that, but volcanic ash... that's interesting. Now it all makes sense. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CJtBREYx-Kg/U-gWutQrQTI/AAAAAAAAwnc/WXajXqJ1yZ4/s1600/P1210114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CJtBREYx-Kg/U-gWutQrQTI/AAAAAAAAwnc/WXajXqJ1yZ4/s1600/P1210114.JPG" height="287" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Definitely not the pink granite of Cadillac Mountain!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gr989LUyAmY/U-gWvxFBSTI/AAAAAAAAwn0/Ug3a98M5lTs/s1600/P1210124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gr989LUyAmY/U-gWvxFBSTI/AAAAAAAAwn0/Ug3a98M5lTs/s1600/P1210124.JPG" height="258" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Volcanic ash deposits of the Bar Harbor Formation. Note the blueberries.</td></tr>
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Back to the plants. Goldenrod is well known. But what about Silverrod? This is the only white goldenrod species, and I didn't even recognize it as a goldenrod. There are 26 species Goldenrod in New England, so I don't usually bother trying to get down to the species level. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goldenrod, maybe the Common Goldenrod (<i>Solidago canadensis.</i>)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-0VxxmVtfQ/U-gWuQOoUAI/AAAAAAAAwnY/qo_0l1rjPJw/s1600/P1210108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z-0VxxmVtfQ/U-gWuQOoUAI/AAAAAAAAwnY/qo_0l1rjPJw/s1600/P1210108.JPG" height="400" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silverrod <i>(Solidago bicolor)</i></td></tr>
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Some of the blueberries were black and shiny. I'm not sure if these are a different species, or it's just natural variation within the species. Late Lowbush Blueberry can have black berries, so I'm guessing it's just natural variation. Not to be confused with Huckleberries, which are also black and shiny, but huckleberry plants are taller (two or three times as tall) and there are a few crunchy seeds in the center. Also, huckleberries don't have clumps of berries at the end of a stem. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lQGVOUXeCtk/U-gWvPvQD7I/AAAAAAAAwnk/6cjz6LuWvvA/s1600/P1210120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lQGVOUXeCtk/U-gWvPvQD7I/AAAAAAAAwnk/6cjz6LuWvvA/s1600/P1210120.JPG" height="273" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blueberries can be black.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VjQ4Wh1s8qE/U-gWz9jA9EI/AAAAAAAAwow/lH8VTVt8r1o/s1600/P1210142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VjQ4Wh1s8qE/U-gWz9jA9EI/AAAAAAAAwow/lH8VTVt8r1o/s1600/P1210142.JPG" height="640" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Huckleberry surrounded by blueberries</td></tr>
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There were some distinctive shrubs. Common Juniper was crawling across some of the larger rock outcrops as if someone had artfully planted it there to accent the blueberries. There are two juniper species growing on Mount Desert Island: Creeping Juniper and Common Juniper. I thought this might be the former because of how low it is, but Creeping Juniper has some "leaves" that are like scales, and these were all sharp needles.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3cCP0aCLIdU/U-6sQmJOdVI/AAAAAAAAwrA/OZxM3JycU98/s1600/P1210138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3cCP0aCLIdU/U-6sQmJOdVI/AAAAAAAAwrA/OZxM3JycU98/s1600/P1210138.JPG" height="261" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common Juniper, with oak, gray birch, and mountain maple saplings in the back</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fW-0tzzorc8/U-gWzPjalAI/AAAAAAAAwog/P20C4-5uuHY/s1600/P1210134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fW-0tzzorc8/U-gWzPjalAI/AAAAAAAAwog/P20C4-5uuHY/s1600/P1210134.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sheep Laurel (<i>Kalmia angustifolia</i>)</td></tr>
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Sheep laurel is one that I never see in Connecticut, but I always see in Acadia. This time of year, the dead flower heads midway up the branch, interrupting the leaves, are pretty distinctive. The species Latin name is the same as for the blueberries: <i>angustifolia</i>, which translates as narrow leaves. So we have the laurel and blueberry with narrow leaves growing together here. I used to misread angustifolia as augustifolia (with a "u") and think, oh, it's because they get berries in August. Good thing I'm not a botanist. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eYxvdgGvt0o/U-gW77s2VlI/AAAAAAAAwqE/wjnsnCz8r10/s1600/P1210156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eYxvdgGvt0o/U-gW77s2VlI/AAAAAAAAwqE/wjnsnCz8r10/s1600/P1210156.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Northern Witherod or Wild Raisin <i>(Viburnum cassinoides)?</i></td></tr>
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My toughest plant to ID was a viburnum, but which one? I narrowed the search down to two closely related species sometimes called "Witherod," then settled on the one that is most likely to be on the island based on published plant lists for the area (of which there are many due to the location of Acadia National Park there). This one, <i>Viburnum cassenoides</i>, is also called Wild Raisin.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FfLw9xo4hBE/U-gW285HgoI/AAAAAAAAwpI/wYyaORiP3ag/s1600/P1210153.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FfLw9xo4hBE/U-gW285HgoI/AAAAAAAAwpI/wYyaORiP3ag/s1600/P1210153.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Witherod or Wild Raisin</td></tr>
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From <a href="http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=d496">Missouri Botanical Garden</a>: "<em>Viburnum cassinoides</em> is commonly called witherod viburnum.
Withe (from Old English) means flexible twig and rod means slender shoot
or stem. It is native primarily to northeastern North America (hence
the occasional common name of northern witherod) where it is typically
found in low woods, fields, swamps, marshes, pond peripheries and bogs." Although the hillside is mostly very dry, the rock obviously does not drain well and there were pockets of wetter areas and even standing water in one location.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0U3wsxEQSQo/U-6sQPz_SPI/AAAAAAAAwq4/ObNeVD0-zFA/s1600/P1210152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0U3wsxEQSQo/U-6sQPz_SPI/AAAAAAAAwq4/ObNeVD0-zFA/s1600/P1210152.JPG" height="247" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Witherod berries, or "raisins"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hTTwkHDNAEI/U-gW7EUx8AI/AAAAAAAAwp0/DNRv-ea1zc8/s1600/P1210173.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hTTwkHDNAEI/U-gW7EUx8AI/AAAAAAAAwp0/DNRv-ea1zc8/s1600/P1210173.JPG" height="361" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dogbane behind a fire pit</td></tr>
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Dogbane is pretty common in Connecticut, where I often see it growing
scattered across a field. Here I found an ornamental clump of it in full
bloom behind a fire pit. I've never seen dogbane that was so ornamental. Another name for this plant is Indian Hemp, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRzj58VIic8">here's a video showing how to make cordage with this traditional fiber</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LEkHqf8xGx8/U-gW34GX1sI/AAAAAAAAwpQ/E3HJ039BdD0/s1600/P1210144.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LEkHqf8xGx8/U-gW34GX1sI/AAAAAAAAwpQ/E3HJ039BdD0/s1600/P1210144.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dogbane </td></tr>
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Several types of tree saplings were trying to make a go of it, especially gray birch, the classic pioneer of cleared lands. There were clumps of stunted gray birch everywhere, looking more like a shrub than a tree.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rINF1HDVVbo/U-gWw6T4hxI/AAAAAAAAwoI/qyuK0m7mpxk/s1600/P1210131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rINF1HDVVbo/U-gWw6T4hxI/AAAAAAAAwoI/qyuK0m7mpxk/s1600/P1210131.JPG" height="247" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gray Birch</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VgM3V-ZMipc/U-gW2AB4AZI/AAAAAAAAwpA/8rJY6Ok6eB0/s1600/P1210148.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VgM3V-ZMipc/U-gW2AB4AZI/AAAAAAAAwpA/8rJY6Ok6eB0/s1600/P1210148.JPG" height="281" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mountain Maple</td></tr>
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I bought a book of Maine Trees when I was in Bar Harbor, and that's the only reason I knew the above photo was Mountain Maple. Otherwise I probably would have assumed it was Red Maple, the most common tree in all of Connecticut. Another helpful page from the book included pictures of Pin Cherry, another one of the plants growing here I wasn't too sure about. One thing about trying to identify plants: You can never have too many identification guides.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EDvVG8z2Q08/U-6sQm4UGWI/AAAAAAAAwq8/w2RLQNQJxtY/s1600/P1210149.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EDvVG8z2Q08/U-6sQm4UGWI/AAAAAAAAwq8/w2RLQNQJxtY/s1600/P1210149.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pin Cherry</td></tr>
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I used to think I could smell blueberries growing, but it turned out I was smelling Sweet Fern, which often grows where blueberries grow. And sure enough, there it was. It's not a fern, but an aromatic shrub of dry, waste places. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zVB2QtqrPIQ/U-6uqSIZ7uI/AAAAAAAAwrU/LCNLbjHXfuQ/s1600/P1210172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zVB2QtqrPIQ/U-6uqSIZ7uI/AAAAAAAAwrU/LCNLbjHXfuQ/s1600/P1210172.JPG" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet Fern, a shrub</td></tr>
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Finally, there was bracken fern, the fern that grows where other ferns dare not, like dry, sandy woods. It's the fern with one main stem that goes up for about a foot and then suddenly breaks into three fern fronds.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aess5dxdbK0/U-gWz2TzPYI/AAAAAAAAwoo/azU4bOedUgg/s1600/P1210140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aess5dxdbK0/U-gWz2TzPYI/AAAAAAAAwoo/azU4bOedUgg/s1600/P1210140.JPG" height="286" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bracken Fern</td></tr>
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As for the birds, I don't have the right camera (or the patience) for photos, but most of the singing was the white-throated sparrow (occasionally at 2:00 am), goldfinches, and chickadees. One lazy afternoon a Bald Eagle circled over the campsite for ten minutes, gradually getting so high he was nothing more than a speck. And one day I saw a bird that looked like a Peregrine Falcon dive through the site. It was there and gone in a flash, so who knows.<br /><div>
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Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628471774296555013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090053058310584097.post-21499571894384463162014-08-08T22:04:00.003-04:002014-08-08T22:28:17.390-04:00The Penobscot Forts<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JiO0QA4XO2k/U-ViXLf9g-I/AAAAAAAAwjw/Eq3SS2s_Rws/s1600/P1200785.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JiO0QA4XO2k/U-ViXLf9g-I/AAAAAAAAwjw/Eq3SS2s_Rws/s1600/P1200785.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fort George, Castine, Maine</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Just down the road from Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park in Maine are a series of old forts along the banks of the Penobscot River. I had no idea about this until I read a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fort-Novel-Revolutionary-War/dp/0062010875/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1407543345&sr=1-1&keywords=the+fort+bernard+cornwell">book by Bernard Cornwell, one of our favorite authors, called "The Fort</a>." It was a fascinating read encompassing the largest navel defeat of the United State until Pearl Harbor. After reading the book, we wanted to visit the fort. And that's when we discovered there are several forts along the mouth of the Penobscot River that you can visit. Who knew? No one I've talked to has ever heard of these forts, and this may be in large part because the history behind them is rather embarrassing. That just makes them more interesting, however. There is a story there.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E4bG1_TVx80/U-Vnl4FBzmI/AAAAAAAAwkY/ZKsG8KCX_jc/s1600/P1200786.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-E4bG1_TVx80/U-Vnl4FBzmI/AAAAAAAAwkY/ZKsG8KCX_jc/s1600/P1200786.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fort George history plaque</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">In 1779, the British military landed in this location and began building Fort George. In response, Massachusetts and the United States sent a force of 43 ships to recapture the territory. With superior forces and fire power, the colonists should have easily taken the fort, the construction of which had just been started and offered little protection. But U.S. forces were not well lead or well disciplined (Paul Revere was later court martialed for cowardice), while the British forces consisted of hardened professionals. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hb8RtsBoyEo/U-VnjWwpkGI/AAAAAAAAwkE/4zX3_hpxXvE/s1600/P1200753.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hb8RtsBoyEo/U-VnjWwpkGI/AAAAAAAAwkE/4zX3_hpxXvE/s1600/P1200753.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fort George. The cement between rocks was full of shells. </td></tr>
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The British were able to hang on to their rapidly growing fort through a few weeks of half-baked battles and incompetent mulling about by the Americans until additional British ships arrived, chasing the Americans up the Penobscot River where all 43 American ships were scuttled. The American survivors were forced to retreat overland back to Boston without food or water. Do you remember learning about this in school? I don't. If you want to look up the history of the this battle, you should know it's not even referred to as a battle, but as the "Penobscot Expedition." I'm now trying to imagine the South referring to the "Gettysburg Expedition." </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gtRSIwXYNdI/U-VnjV4HKyI/AAAAAAAAwj8/r_3RBiNO2iE/s1600/P1200762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gtRSIwXYNdI/U-VnjV4HKyI/AAAAAAAAwj8/r_3RBiNO2iE/s1600/P1200762.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking across the fort grounds from the outfield</td></tr>
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One of the more unexpected sights was that of a rundown baseball field in the middle fort. Well, why not? Here's the fort on <a href="http://goo.gl/maps/YY0fX">Google Map</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lj8DIp3q1HA/U-VnjpDGySI/AAAAAAAAwkA/JDIAmUQXV44/s1600/P1200777.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lj8DIp3q1HA/U-VnjpDGySI/AAAAAAAAwkA/JDIAmUQXV44/s1600/P1200777.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Behind home plate inside Fort George</td></tr>
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Our next stop was Fort Madison, just down the street (Perkins Street) and still within the battlefield area of Fort George. This fort was even harder to find, but after a cranky neighbor yelled at us for parking on the street in front of his house, we were rewarded with beautiful views of the Penobscot Bay and were able to walk along the rocky shore. Here's the fort location on <a href="http://goo.gl/maps/TQAXC">Google Maps.</a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NJW4w0wpuFE/U-Vnog8Q6tI/AAAAAAAAwlA/IVIUOxGoJrw/s1600/P1200811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NJW4w0wpuFE/U-Vnog8Q6tI/AAAAAAAAwlA/IVIUOxGoJrw/s1600/P1200811.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Welcome to Fort Madison, Castine, Maine</td></tr>
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This fort dates to the War of 1812. According to the sign, the Americans built the fort and then <strike>fled</strike> withdrew as soon as the British showed up. Nice. The British went on to sack Bangor and generate lingering resentment.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r0fiffFWMME/U-VnnY14kZI/AAAAAAAAwks/ZElEtj-6hXk/s1600/P1200809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r0fiffFWMME/U-VnnY14kZI/AAAAAAAAwks/ZElEtj-6hXk/s1600/P1200809.JPG" height="293" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Informational plaque, Fort Madison</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CZ1wVCFRmKE/U-VnlxcyrpI/AAAAAAAAwkc/AwVDrvA2QL8/s1600/P1200791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CZ1wVCFRmKE/U-VnlxcyrpI/AAAAAAAAwkc/AwVDrvA2QL8/s1600/P1200791.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Penobscot Bay, Fort Madison. Pretend those are big American Ships in 1779.</td></tr>
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This was a beautiful park and there were a number of people relaxing and picnicking nearby. You really could make a day of just hanging out here.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KPBblqxk2Q8/U-Vnm511bsI/AAAAAAAAwk4/uW0qLFJkRZY/s1600/P1200794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KPBblqxk2Q8/U-Vnm511bsI/AAAAAAAAwk4/uW0qLFJkRZY/s1600/P1200794.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bonus stairs down to the water. Also, massive Japanese Knotweed.</td></tr>
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After exploring the shore, we visited the nearby Wilson Museum, which housed an eclectic assortment of relics collected by a resident geologist in the late 1800s (<a href="http://goo.gl/maps/E7OZZ">see map</a>). Included in the museum were artifacts from one of the scuttled American ships that were part of the so-called Penobscot Expedition. Then we wandered on down to the Castine docks and had some seafood under an umbrella on the seaside dock. It was delicious (<a href="http://goo.gl/maps/QqJFz">see map</a>).<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xjPduXzwjbM/U-V2hVM_emI/AAAAAAAAwmk/s5-NJYUXRyA/s1600/P1200828.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xjPduXzwjbM/U-V2hVM_emI/AAAAAAAAwmk/s5-NJYUXRyA/s1600/P1200828.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Crossing the Penobscot River (observatory is at the top)</span></div>
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After lunch, we head back up the peninsula along the Penobscot River towards Bucksport, where we encountered a beautiful cable-stay bridge crossing the river very near our next fort, Fort Knox. Not "the" Fort Knox, this is another one (but both forts were apparently named after the same guy). But before exploring our third fort, we took a ride up the elevator in the Penobscot Bridge Observatory and got a great view of the surrounding. We could even see Acadia's Cadillac Mountain off in the distance.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--P4tdhE7C9s/U-VnpgxpSYI/AAAAAAAAwlM/SfjzvxlrmeA/s1600/P1200853.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--P4tdhE7C9s/U-VnpgxpSYI/AAAAAAAAwlM/SfjzvxlrmeA/s1600/P1200853.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View downstream from the observatory</td></tr>
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From up in the observatory, it's obvious why Fort Knox was location where it was. There is a very sharp, 90 degree turn in the river, which the old wooden sailing ships would have had to navigate under fire.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VLuPE0v8B8Y/U-VnqqXUnsI/AAAAAAAAwlc/iyK2LJHFesU/s1600/P1200846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VLuPE0v8B8Y/U-VnqqXUnsI/AAAAAAAAwlc/iyK2LJHFesU/s1600/P1200846.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View upstream with Fort Knox located at the sharp bend in the river</td></tr>
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The visit to Fort Knox was completely different than visiting the other two almost-forgotten forts (see <a href="http://goo.gl/maps/y60GX">location map</a>). For one thing, there was a fee, facilities, and a gift shop. Also, there were no embarrassing lost battles here (no battles at all, actually). The construction of this fort in fact turned out to be a waste of money (nearly a million dollars), a reaction to the previous humiliations by the British who intended to create a "New Ireland" in what is now Maine, but was then a part of Massachusetts (Maine subsequently won statehood in part because they had not been adequately defended by Massachusetts). This Civil War-era fort was under construction for 25 years and still wasn't complete in 1869 when construction was halted because iron-clad ships rendered it obsolete. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BFFUrvChiaw/U-VnqZeZcjI/AAAAAAAAwlY/SuDDQHarHhA/s1600/P1200861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BFFUrvChiaw/U-VnqZeZcjI/AAAAAAAAwlY/SuDDQHarHhA/s1600/P1200861.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one was a tourist trap.</td></tr>
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Some granite quarry owner was probably made rich by this fort. There is granite everywhere. Maine has a lot of granite.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gQNoIjSLZH8/U-VnsXeBR_I/AAAAAAAAwl4/WUEnCMWEFfQ/s1600/P1200876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gQNoIjSLZH8/U-VnsXeBR_I/AAAAAAAAwl4/WUEnCMWEFfQ/s1600/P1200876.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fort Knox, just daring to British to try that "New Ireland" nonsense again.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ha8UJDVFLDs/U-VnqzpezQI/AAAAAAAAwlk/g0pOe6VGfT8/s1600/P1200867.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ha8UJDVFLDs/U-VnqzpezQI/AAAAAAAAwlk/g0pOe6VGfT8/s1600/P1200867.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of granite</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4NoyLH4DSl8/U-VnrxVNKDI/AAAAAAAAwlw/04AOzTevFro/s1600/P1200870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4NoyLH4DSl8/U-VnrxVNKDI/AAAAAAAAwlw/04AOzTevFro/s1600/P1200870.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...and brick. </td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: start;">The British weren't going to take over THIS fort! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UOTjsOYjKWk/U-Vnth2e8tI/AAAAAAAAwmM/xIGmv-npR50/s1600/P1200883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UOTjsOYjKWk/U-Vnth2e8tI/AAAAAAAAwmM/xIGmv-npR50/s1600/P1200883.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fort Knox and the Penobscot Narrows Bridge</td></tr>
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There are additional forts along the Penobscot, including Fort Pownall at Fort Point State Park, the oldest fort of them all. Alas, we didn't have time for that one.<br />
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Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628471774296555013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090053058310584097.post-29467108859616910962014-05-17T23:26:00.001-04:002014-05-17T23:27:31.346-04:00Nicholdale Farm, Shelton<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WrLLRZEDQkI/U3gey6f534I/AAAAAAAAv8o/-rmxPbR18_o/s1600/P1180981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WrLLRZEDQkI/U3gey6f534I/AAAAAAAAv8o/-rmxPbR18_o/s1600/P1180981.JPG" height="361" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cedar Apple Rust Fungus</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Just a few quick shots from the Nicholdale Farm Land Trust property today in Shelton. Near the entrance are several specimen red cedar trees that were just covered in these decorative fungi today. </span>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AiJOuN8RbI8/U3gezMc29aI/AAAAAAAAv8w/S3SFs6pigTw/s1600/P1180982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AiJOuN8RbI8/U3gezMc29aI/AAAAAAAAv8w/S3SFs6pigTw/s1600/P1180982.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
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I love how easy it can be to identify things sometimes with the Internet. I just Googled, "orange fungus red cedar" and had an ID within a few seconds. Beats paging through identification keys.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rMQn4OHKS9w/U3gezI-rhvI/AAAAAAAAv8s/gZFOlKcobRI/s1600/P1180986.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rMQn4OHKS9w/U3gezI-rhvI/AAAAAAAAv8s/gZFOlKcobRI/s1600/P1180986.JPG" height="272" width="320" /></a></div>
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The fungus lives in galls that suddenly sprout orange "spore horns" (seriously) in spring after a cool rain. Boy did they ever. The fungus is unusual in that in needs two host species: apple and cedar. And yes, there are <a href="http://www.beardsleyscidermill.com/">lots of apple trees nearby</a>. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--HBwle1fBjM/U3ge0PPedpI/AAAAAAAAv80/t4TngfsA8Rw/s1600/P1190024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--HBwle1fBjM/U3ge0PPedpI/AAAAAAAAv80/t4TngfsA8Rw/s1600/P1190024.JPG" height="400" width="396" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Box Turtle</td></tr>
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Heading south of the Land Trust property along the gas pipeline, I walked over a box turtle possibly just sunning himself. The red eyes mean it's a male, and based on the the number of rings on the shell he's about 15 years old. Box Turtles in the wild usually live 20 or 25 years, but in captivity they can last much longer. I hope this guy is able to stay out of trouble for many years to come.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aib_rkryp28/U3ge0S9gU5I/AAAAAAAAv88/e_rjNc2yws0/s1600/P1190025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aib_rkryp28/U3ge0S9gU5I/AAAAAAAAv88/e_rjNc2yws0/s1600/P1190025.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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I took a photo of his underside in case anyone catches him again. You can use the markings to help identify individual turtles. Let's call this one Ted. Ted the Turtle. If anyone spots him in the future, take a picture of a belly and let me know. </div>
<br />Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628471774296555013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090053058310584097.post-32835171159246276942014-05-10T10:19:00.000-04:002014-05-10T10:21:23.486-04:00Sleeping Giant - Green Trail (mostly)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eV6rdnns1pg/U24s0P0qUdI/AAAAAAAAv4o/Gpv8_tWJrbA/s1600/P1180898.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eV6rdnns1pg/U24s0P0qUdI/AAAAAAAAv4o/Gpv8_tWJrbA/s1600/P1180898.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arrowhead I found on the Green Trail - the Giant's Head is in the distance</td></tr>
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To avoid the noisy crowds at Sleeping Giant (why do people have to shout at each other along the trails??), it's not enough to just go on a weekday, or to stick to the "quiet side" (Chestnut Lane). Pick a cool, damp, moody day. It's the best weather for hiking, aside from the hazards of slick rock. I walked almost the entire length of Sleeping Giant, mostly on green, before I saw a single person. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wlO2zUI66ls/U24sw_SFMeI/AAAAAAAAv3k/kfGRiE5yIIc/s1600/P1180818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wlO2zUI66ls/U24sw_SFMeI/AAAAAAAAv3k/kfGRiE5yIIc/s1600/P1180818.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fog on Hezekiah's Knob (Blue Trail)</td></tr>
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I set out from Chestnut Lane (no cars parked) and headed up the blue-blazed switchbacks to Hezekiah's Knob, which normally had a great view, but was shrouded in fog. The lack of sun glare and shadows, as well as the general dampness, was better for taking photos, however:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-55Y4RHgx3wA/U24swseN3uI/AAAAAAAAv3g/Mtsgw2NcUwE/s1600/P1180816.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-55Y4RHgx3wA/U24swseN3uI/AAAAAAAAv3g/Mtsgw2NcUwE/s1600/P1180816.JPG" height="330" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Columbine on Hezekiah's Knob just staring to open</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming down off of Hezekiah's Knob </td></tr>
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I then followed the easy Green Trail all the way to the end. It runs along the center of the Giant, between ridges, along streams and wetlands. I found a broken quartz arrowhead after passing the Red Circle Trail. The rock formations and wild leeks were set to the sound of a babbling brook, spring peepers, and singing birds. I couldn't hear any cars or people. It was great. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4LwAxMmgU4o/U24syuRYEgI/AAAAAAAAv4E/eVVY5-OrQAY/s1600/P1180854.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4LwAxMmgU4o/U24syuRYEgI/AAAAAAAAv4E/eVVY5-OrQAY/s1600/P1180854.JPG" height="337" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild Leeks and Red Trillium</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xHTqxHTRHlw/U240F7iMQdI/AAAAAAAAv5g/kwFtjF7O3KU/s1600/P1180844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xHTqxHTRHlw/U240F7iMQdI/AAAAAAAAv5g/kwFtjF7O3KU/s1600/P1180844.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wild leeks line a stream in front of a cliff along the green trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S2yTmWZaSas/U24syfs8oMI/AAAAAAAAv4A/-eHgwZaJp_0/s1600/P1180857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S2yTmWZaSas/U24syfs8oMI/AAAAAAAAv4A/-eHgwZaJp_0/s1600/P1180857.JPG" height="287" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Really Big Millipede (about 3" long)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lKv-kUfmq8Y/U24szY0oLsI/AAAAAAAAv4Y/Yo1VVcQyhjA/s1600/P1180861.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lKv-kUfmq8Y/U24szY0oLsI/AAAAAAAAv4Y/Yo1VVcQyhjA/s1600/P1180861.JPG" height="301" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Red-Backed Salamander found next to a letterbox</td></tr>
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After a long walk between ridges, the Green Trail gradually rises to a ridge walk and abruptly ends at the Chest with amazing views (the fog had cleared by this time). </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yfM9oVTONH4/U24szXchr-I/AAAAAAAAv4U/in9HZrkXnC0/s1600/P1180879.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yfM9oVTONH4/U24szXchr-I/AAAAAAAAv4U/in9HZrkXnC0/s1600/P1180879.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of the Green Trail</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Xygti19G9Y/U24szJaB8yI/AAAAAAAAv4Q/MHsVf8SxeIg/s1600/P1180877.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Xygti19G9Y/U24szJaB8yI/AAAAAAAAv4Q/MHsVf8SxeIg/s1600/P1180877.JPG" height="267" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of New Haven and East Rock</td></tr>
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Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628471774296555013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090053058310584097.post-92169092996191687232014-05-02T09:58:00.000-04:002014-05-03T10:27:27.640-04:00Peak Wildflowers at Sleeping GiantLate spring this year, and the woodland wildflowers are finally at their peak today. Trout Lilies peaked last week (the Tower Trail was full of them), but the Blood Root, Dutchman's Breeches, Trillium and Marsh Marigolds were at their best today. Compare with a post from <a href="http://sheltontrails.blogspot.com/2010/04/spring-arrives-at-sleeping-giant.html">April 24, 2010</a>, when many of these flowers were past their peak and the Columbine (which blooms a bit later) was in full bloom. Here's a sampling from today, in no particular order. The greatest concentration of wildflower was near the intersection of the Violet and Red Circle Trails, and there was a whole lot of water gushing down the brook. But there are plenty of wildflowers going up the Tower Trail if you're looking for them (especially Trout Lily).<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NrkhK4hirrs/U2T2Gl-Dq_I/AAAAAAAAv0I/ucqWlmxVcns/s1600/P1180676.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NrkhK4hirrs/U2T2Gl-Dq_I/AAAAAAAAv0I/ucqWlmxVcns/s1600/P1180676.JPG" height="325" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blood Root, Tower Trail</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eNDcptsEoao/U2T2Hj5zvFI/AAAAAAAAv0U/OH4l8COiHsU/s1600/P1180678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eNDcptsEoao/U2T2Hj5zvFI/AAAAAAAAv0U/OH4l8COiHsU/s1600/P1180678.JPG" height="371" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trout Lily, Tower Trail</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-63uW2oLKC1M/U2T2KGCMBkI/AAAAAAAAv1M/Fd0-6CTncb8/s1600/P1180697.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-63uW2oLKC1M/U2T2KGCMBkI/AAAAAAAAv1M/Fd0-6CTncb8/s1600/P1180697.JPG" height="276" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Dutchman's Breeches and Red Trillium, Violet/Red Circle Junction</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VrSVFxn-r48/U2T2LwFsGUI/AAAAAAAAv1Y/jYi0dB_fHBk/s1600/P1180709.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VrSVFxn-r48/U2T2LwFsGUI/AAAAAAAAv1Y/jYi0dB_fHBk/s1600/P1180709.JPG" height="316" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Marsh Marigolds - Red Circle/Blue in Tarkaland ;)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wfn9aOP7FLw/U2T2HwX8fOI/AAAAAAAAv0s/X-aOM1bLEhc/s1600/P1180681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Wfn9aOP7FLw/U2T2HwX8fOI/AAAAAAAAv0s/X-aOM1bLEhc/s1600/P1180681.JPG" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiddleheads and Dutchman's Breeches, Tower Trail</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MQlaI-_9awU/U2T2GgRsFwI/AAAAAAAAv0M/C4B94qs2g3k/s1600/P1180673.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MQlaI-_9awU/U2T2GgRsFwI/AAAAAAAAv0M/C4B94qs2g3k/s1600/P1180673.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Garter Snake, Nature Trail</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-981WFVoH_uM/U2T2ICDYbHI/AAAAAAAAv0k/QL0-LPk60EU/s1600/P1180684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-981WFVoH_uM/U2T2ICDYbHI/AAAAAAAAv0k/QL0-LPk60EU/s1600/P1180684.JPG" height="372" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dutchman's Breeches - I forget where.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-16kywIYstIQ/U2T2IeYqkiI/AAAAAAAAv0g/Kt3C7nD9DIg/s1600/P1180687.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-16kywIYstIQ/U2T2IeYqkiI/AAAAAAAAv0g/Kt3C7nD9DIg/s1600/P1180687.JPG" height="323" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trout Lily, Tower Trail</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c7ovTJUFfV8/U2T2Jh06klI/AAAAAAAAv0w/Nlep_3ITNCA/s1600/P1180691.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c7ovTJUFfV8/U2T2Jh06klI/AAAAAAAAv0w/Nlep_3ITNCA/s1600/P1180691.JPG" height="307" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dutchman's Breeches, Violet/Red Circle Junction</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ub0F2D12O48/U2T2JxcAPRI/AAAAAAAAv08/bKBggk4yhBY/s1600/P1180696.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ub0F2D12O48/U2T2JxcAPRI/AAAAAAAAv08/bKBggk4yhBY/s1600/P1180696.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flooding on the trail at Red Circle/Violet Junction</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z6A50_5v2yw/U2T2KdoykoI/AAAAAAAAv1A/6VBhdXhin2g/s1600/P1180701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z6A50_5v2yw/U2T2KdoykoI/AAAAAAAAv1A/6VBhdXhin2g/s1600/P1180701.JPG" height="230" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dutchman's Breeches, Violet/Red Circle Junction</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wcBbYChy_20/U2T2LJ3RK-I/AAAAAAAAv1U/3Pzp8a3XHHI/s1600/P1180703.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wcBbYChy_20/U2T2LJ3RK-I/AAAAAAAAv1U/3Pzp8a3XHHI/s1600/P1180703.JPG" height="306" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foliage of Bloodroot and Wild Leeks aka Ramps <br />
(Never, ever, ever dig these up)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GbvLPPmvQ40/U2T2LSBZxEI/AAAAAAAAv1g/qBZB30BLzO0/s1600/P1180705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GbvLPPmvQ40/U2T2LSBZxEI/AAAAAAAAv1g/qBZB30BLzO0/s1600/P1180705.JPG" height="302" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Partridgeberriesleft over from last fall. Giant's Elbow, Violet Trail.</td></tr>
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Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628471774296555013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090053058310584097.post-38355457764786835882014-03-15T11:33:00.000-04:002014-03-15T11:33:23.655-04:00Housatonic River Bluff - Shelton<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ciK9Jov94mw/Ux98O5cpVQI/AAAAAAAAvnU/OEI8isEdTN0/s1600/P1180095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ciK9Jov94mw/Ux98O5cpVQI/AAAAAAAAvnU/OEI8isEdTN0/s1600/P1180095.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wooded river bluff faces northeast and stays cool</td></tr>
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The river bluff rises several hundred feet along the west shore Lake Housatonic, extending from the Derby-Shelton to the Monroe/Shelton border. Most of it is preserved land, either as Indian Well State Park, Shelton Open Space, or Shelton Land Trust property. The snow wasn't very deep, so I strapped on my Kahtoola microspikes, grabbed a trekking pole, and went exploring. With snow on the ground and leaves off the trees, you can see the lay of the land much better than in summer.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--RHFTfICRKs/Ux98O9oajoI/AAAAAAAAvnQ/HNhpL4pg7sM/s1600/P1180128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--RHFTfICRKs/Ux98O9oajoI/AAAAAAAAvnQ/HNhpL4pg7sM/s1600/P1180128.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rock shelters an interesting insect construction</td></tr>
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The most interesting find of the day was an ornate insect nest under a sheltering rock. I actually have a book to identify things like this called, "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tracks-Sign-Insects-Other-Invertebrates/dp/0811736245/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1394896926&sr=1-1&keywords=tracks+and+signs+of+insects">Tracks and Signs of Insects</a>," and was able to quickly identify the owner: The <a href="http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/organ-pipe_mud_dauber.htm">Organ Pipe Mud Dauber</a>, a black wasp whose primary food source is spiders.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E_vt3XgYASk/Ux98PB3qxMI/AAAAAAAAvnM/MsYHGDT_JqA/s1600/P1180127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E_vt3XgYASk/Ux98PB3qxMI/AAAAAAAAvnM/MsYHGDT_JqA/s1600/P1180127.JPG" height="400" width="396" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The nest of an Organ Pipe Mud Dauber Wasp</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tzf7wu5LIUk/Ux98QgzDNCI/AAAAAAAAvnw/FKHPvtHz3_U/s1600/P1180132.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tzf7wu5LIUk/Ux98QgzDNCI/AAAAAAAAvnw/FKHPvtHz3_U/s1600/P1180132.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cache of Bittersweet berries in a log, perhaps from a chipmunk</td></tr>
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The hard, icy snow had soften recently and recorded the recent movements of wildlife, mostly turkey and squirrels. Lots and lots of turkey tracks, along with holes in the snow from acorn removal. I had my eye out for predator tracks, but didn't find any.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--zqJReSwpR4/Ux98QqX7_bI/AAAAAAAAvns/pUkpRzBfgJE/s1600/P1180137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--zqJReSwpR4/Ux98QqX7_bI/AAAAAAAAvns/pUkpRzBfgJE/s1600/P1180137.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turkey Runway</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OlYLKV2LnXQ/Ux98RDSCfUI/AAAAAAAAvn4/6O6fCAHkjuI/s1600/P1180145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OlYLKV2LnXQ/Ux98RDSCfUI/AAAAAAAAvn4/6O6fCAHkjuI/s1600/P1180145.JPG" height="343" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one didn't make it.</td></tr>
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<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8e9uzTueRLs/Ux98R-cio9I/AAAAAAAAvoE/1AOUykdCFzk/s1600/P1180152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8e9uzTueRLs/Ux98R-cio9I/AAAAAAAAvoE/1AOUykdCFzk/s1600/P1180152.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Squirrel tracks</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DS4-icjVKdM/Ux98RgD5D0I/AAAAAAAAvoA/VPvVQbC3hMg/s1600/P1180151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DS4-icjVKdM/Ux98RgD5D0I/AAAAAAAAvoA/VPvVQbC3hMg/s1600/P1180151.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turkey tracks and acorn access holes were everywhere</td></tr>
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<br />Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628471774296555013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090053058310584097.post-49655679897181103342014-02-13T14:15:00.001-05:002014-02-13T15:02:31.341-05:00Far Mill River During a Nor'easter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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During a snowstorm, I like to snowshoe down to Gristmill Trail along the Far Mill River in Shelton because I can get there on foot from my house. A few years ago, someone mysteriously built an impressive hut of sticks right on the bank of the river in the flood plain (which is regularly flooded with raging water). The fact that the hut still stands shows how well it was built.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pvPPypEnnrI/Uv0Pk5lLmlI/AAAAAAAAvj8/1E3BOCOa_5k/s1600/P1170684.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pvPPypEnnrI/Uv0Pk5lLmlI/AAAAAAAAvj8/1E3BOCOa_5k/s1600/P1170684.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the hut</td></tr>
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The hut was built illegally. There were trees cut, a lot of rock moved, and some people were creeped out and called the police (you can't tell if anyone is inside while walking past, and there was smoke coming out at times). But it was so well done, no one had the heart to take it down. It has survived multiple floods.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RspZvddfYcA/Uv0Pk8UnXjI/AAAAAAAAvkE/iwyd6PB3PdI/s1600/P1170688.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RspZvddfYcA/Uv0Pk8UnXjI/AAAAAAAAvkE/iwyd6PB3PdI/s1600/P1170688.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Have a seat</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qkjLtNyWN5c/Uv0VSKiyxbI/AAAAAAAAvlo/ox1dV95GEGs/s1600/P1170695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qkjLtNyWN5c/Uv0VSKiyxbI/AAAAAAAAvlo/ox1dV95GEGs/s1600/P1170695.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gristmill Trail follows the Far Mill River</td></tr>
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Continuing on down Gristmill Trail, the heavy new snow was perfect for snowshoeing along the Far Mill River.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4LcMuqIW0yA/Uv0PmNmcAiI/AAAAAAAAvlA/i7pSRuxhJTk/s1600/P1170706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4LcMuqIW0yA/Uv0PmNmcAiI/AAAAAAAAvlA/i7pSRuxhJTk/s1600/P1170706.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Far Mill River</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ons7cTeXz-o/Uv0Pmcs4n_I/AAAAAAAAvkk/XJLfkQfw-Ew/s1600/P1170711.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ons7cTeXz-o/Uv0Pmcs4n_I/AAAAAAAAvkk/XJLfkQfw-Ew/s1600/P1170711.JPG" height="320" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maple-Leaved Viburnum berries</td></tr>
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There is food out there for the birds to eat, including these <a href="http://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/woodland/plants/ml_viburnum.htm">Maple-Leaved Viburnum</a> berries, which is a native food source for many species of birds, including cardinals, robins, and blue birds. I also heard woodpeckers foraging in the storm for insects in rotting wood.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iFh1tvXwgDg/Uv0PlhtKOQI/AAAAAAAAvkQ/wm8Zh2nFqjU/s1600/P1170698.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iFh1tvXwgDg/Uv0PlhtKOQI/AAAAAAAAvkQ/wm8Zh2nFqjU/s1600/P1170698.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Witch Hazel seed pods - another source of food for wildlife</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uL7jdtQDEa0/Uv0PmguSJwI/AAAAAAAAvk0/_bjAUfMMNsY/s1600/P1170712.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uL7jdtQDEa0/Uv0PmguSJwI/AAAAAAAAvk0/_bjAUfMMNsY/s1600/P1170712.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gristmill Trail is short but scenic</td></tr>
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Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628471774296555013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090053058310584097.post-89370584432434742052013-09-06T20:46:00.001-04:002013-09-14T08:42:06.537-04:00Groton, Mass: "We Live and Breathe Letterboxing XV"<div style="margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qw1YUoK4exk/UicyZQeptII/AAAAAAAAtmY/e9ICFSVntK0/s1600/P1150455.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qw1YUoK4exk/UicyZQeptII/AAAAAAAAtmY/e9ICFSVntK0/s400/P1150455.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from a beaver dam. A deer was on the dam just a moment before.</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Every five years, a few hundred North American letterboxers make a pilgrimage to an event called, "<a href="http://weliveandbreathexv.wikispaces.com/">We Live and Breathe Letterboxing</a>." This year it was held in Groton, Massachusetts, northwest of Boston, just outside of the I-495 beltway. People flew in from as far away as Alaska. I threw the tent in the car and drove three hours to Camp Grotonwood. </span></div>
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There were a lot of festivities and socializing broken up by adventures out on the trail. I started out early the first morning looking for the series "A Little Bit of History" because the route crossed a beaver dam. I was not disappointed. I didn't see any beaver, but an osprey whistled from a tall snag in the middle of the pond before flying off, and a kingfisher chattered as it hunted the pond edges. Green Frogs did their embarrassingly awkward "SQUEAK" followed by a clumsy splash into the pond. There was even a fleeting glimpse of a deer standing on the beaver dam at one point when I doubled back thinking I'd missed a turn. It was all very still and moody. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LPTNFLcDqXg/Uicyan8AIkI/AAAAAAAAtm8/gqnMlRsT99M/s1600/P1150461.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LPTNFLcDqXg/Uicyan8AIkI/AAAAAAAAtm8/gqnMlRsT99M/s400/P1150461.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beaver were showing their love for the letterboxers. </td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: left;">I honestly did not take many pictures. I was too busy looking for letterboxes, or socializing, or swimming, or eating. Many of the pictures I did take were a disappointment because the lens had fogged up in the slug weather after I pulled my camera out of a cool backpack, and some of my settings were inadvertently adjusted as well. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QOq_SgduPbQ/UicycTyhlwI/AAAAAAAAtnE/33aQbuWc26o/s1600/P1150463.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QOq_SgduPbQ/UicycTyhlwI/AAAAAAAAtnE/33aQbuWc26o/s400/P1150463.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bog Iron on Mark's Trail</td></tr>
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A muddy crossings on Marks Trail had an impressive amount of reddish <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bog_iron">Bog Iron</a>. I once collected some Bog Iron like this and heated it in an oven at the highest temperature because that's the sort of thing I do. It turned black and could be picked up with a magnet. The Puritans got their first iron from swamps, bogs, and streams back in the 1600's.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VL4ryuhn2LQ/Uicyc4isYRI/AAAAAAAAtnQ/_zl6eXPMYoQ/s1600/P1150483.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VL4ryuhn2LQ/Uicyc4isYRI/AAAAAAAAtnQ/_zl6eXPMYoQ/s400/P1150483.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cardinal Flower</td></tr>
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The search for <i>Monty Python's Holy Grail </i>took some of us past clumps of bright red Cardinal Flowers overlooking the marsh. A very nice counterpoint to the overcast day. Cardinal Flower always seems a bit out of place. I also saw the largest patch of <a href="http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/hepatica_nobilis.shtml">Hepatica</a> I've ever seen, but was too busy chatting to pull my camera out. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-61ZiUSHgFUo/UicyddsMm9I/AAAAAAAAtnc/iblegjIM--g/s1600/P1150492.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-61ZiUSHgFUo/UicyddsMm9I/AAAAAAAAtnc/iblegjIM--g/s400/P1150492.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wood Frog</td></tr>
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<i style="text-align: left;">Springtime Bird Watching</i><span style="text-align: left;"> lead me to this Wood Frog, well camouflaged near the Yellow Birch log. These are the frogs that quack like a duck in the springtime vernal pools, so I guess this was the right frog for the series. </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ELkduQETTG8/Uicyd2n6FKI/AAAAAAAAtns/JohtIHNHSJs/s1600/P1150494.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ELkduQETTG8/Uicyd2n6FKI/AAAAAAAAtns/JohtIHNHSJs/s400/P1150494.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jack-in-the-Pulpit fruits</td></tr>
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Jack-in-the-Pulpit berries were ripening next to a stream crossing, while a big fat toad was guarding one of the letterboxes nearby. I love toads. They make surprisingly tame and funny pets. One especially large pet toad was catching flies out of the air while my young son was holding it only days after the toad was captured. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b1B2BUVT4LI/UicyeiLHg7I/AAAAAAAAtn0/lWOl9syOWvY/s1600/P1150496.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b1B2BUVT4LI/UicyeiLHg7I/AAAAAAAAtn0/lWOl9syOWvY/s400/P1150496.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Partridgeberry. </td></tr>
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The tiny Partridgeberries (aka "Pahtridgeberry" in Massachusetts) were fruiting and will stay green and fruiting all winter, when they will be most appreciated by hikers. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Dye Maker's Polypore (<i>Phaeolus schweinitzii</i>).</td></tr>
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There were lots of mushrooms growing. It's been a mushroom kind of year. This particular fungus had a very velvety finish. </div>
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This time of year, I'm used to seeing a lot of White Wood Aster in my neck of the woods, and that's what I assumed this was until I got closer and the leaves were different, sort of whorled around the stem. So I was utterly shocked to discover these are called Whorled Wood Aster :). </div>
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All in all, it was a great weekend, and I met a lot of boxers while out on the trails from all over the country: California, Colorado, Indiana, Michigan, and Florida. Not to mention all the boxers I met at meals, the BBQ, and the masquerade ball. I would definitely do this again! </div>
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Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628471774296555013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090053058310584097.post-2133285433145687142012-05-15T17:30:00.000-04:002012-06-10T20:16:57.765-04:00Tunxis Trail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Tunxis Trail is one of Connecticut's wildest trails. Over the course of a few weeks I set out to hike the most northern twenty miles of the trail, from Route 44 in New Hartford to the Massachusetts state line in Hartland. After hiking in the densely populated Connecticut Valley all winter and spring along the New England Trail (NET), the Tunxis offered quite a contrast. </div>
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Just driving there was an experience. We passed a dead porcupine on the road. A porcupine! Another time a turkey ran out in front of my car and just as I was about to hit it, the turkey jumped straight up and took flight, my front window just barely sliding under the awkwardly flapping giant bird. Nearly had a stroke. </div>
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Some of the plants up here are more typical of Northern New England. Normally I see Red Trillium in Connecticut, but the Tunxis was home to several Painted Trilliums, a more northern species. Striped maple and hobblebush abound here, but are only occasionally seen in other parts of the state. Clintonia I associate with the White Mountains, not Connecticut. Foamflower grew in several places along the trail. This is an attractive native plant for landscaping, growing in dry or wet shade, and available in specialty nurseries. The only other place I've seen it growing wild is on top of Shenandoah Mountain in Virginia.<br />
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The most unique attraction along the trail is the Indian Council Caves, formed by an unusual pile of house-sized boulders. In the photo above, look for my dog in the lower center for scale. Yup, and that's just one of the boulders. It's even more surprising because there is nothing like this in the woods leading up to the cave. It's not particularly rocky for Connecticut, and you don't notice many boulders. Then there they all are right on top of each other. It's like a giant was cleaning up his field and threw all the rocks in a corner. </div>
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The funniest moment of the trail was when my dog and I startled a bobcat near the trail. The cat was substantially bigger than my dog but, you know, if it runs, chase it. The bobcat was the fastest ball of fur I've ever seen. I didn't really even notice it's head or feet, and it didn't have a tail to speak of, it was just a streaking ball of fur doing one of those crazy mad cat scrambles. And my little 17-pound terrier was in hot pursuit because she's an idiot. Fortunately for her, she responded to my call and turned around, because that would not have ended well if the cat had come to its senses, stopped running, and turned on my dog.<br />
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And so the next three pictures will have my dog in them. </div>
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Finishing up the Tunxis was a real pleasure. I started back in October 2011 and promptly broke my ankle on the first part. That's why I have trekking poles now. The trail has some smooth dark patches of rock that you barely notice, but be careful, because if they are slightly damp you can really slip. Almost like black ice. That's what happened to me last October.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Massachusetts State Line Monument. The End. </td></tr>
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<br />Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628471774296555013noreply@blogger.com2N Hollow Rd, East Hartland, CT 06027, USA42.015631540377392 -72.92278289794921941.99204004037739 -72.962264897949225 42.039223040377394 -72.883300897949212tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090053058310584097.post-33997948275711400362012-01-20T20:49:00.002-05:002012-01-20T20:49:57.790-05:00My New BlogI've just started a new blog called "<a href="http://www.boxingthenet.blogspot.com/">Along the New England Trail</a>." Why would I do that? Because this "In the Field" blog started out as a very local blog of random stuff I saw while out in Shelton's open space, working for the City as the Conservation Agent. Over the past few years, however, many of my posts were more about what I saw while <a href="http://www.letterboxing.org/">letterboxing</a> all over the state. So the blog has lost it's focus. <br />
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This year I've decided to start focusing my letterboxing trips on the New England Trail rather than random locations around Connecticut. Boxing this trail will take years, no doubt. Rather than have "In the Field" turn into a series of posts about the New England Trail, I thought I'd just start a new blog for these trips.<br />
<br />Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628471774296555013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090053058310584097.post-56580798317359055362012-01-01T21:09:00.001-05:002012-01-01T21:49:31.131-05:00The New England Trail (NET)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was planning to start hiking the new "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_England_National_Scenic_Trail">New England Trail</a>" next spring, but it was 50 degrees on January 1, and that simply cannot go unhiked. So here I am in Guilford, at the so-called Bluff Head parking area on Route 77. In Connecticut, the New England Trail is mostly made up of the blue-blazed <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mattabesett_Trail">Mattabesett</a> and Metacomet Trails, but a new trail under construction in Guilford is supposed to extend the trail down to the Sound. It doesn't yet, but it's about half way there, so I thought I'd go check it out the part that's done. It's called the <a href="http://www.ctwoodlands.org/MenunkatuckTrail">Menunkatuck Trail</a>, and to find the northern terminus you have to take the Mattabesett for 1.3 miles. </div>
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The Mattabesett rises quickly above the highway, and before long road noise is banished for the remainder of the hike. The first 1.3 mile took a lot longer than I expected and at one point I was convinced I had missed the turnoff for the Menunkatuck. In retrospect, the trail goes due east across a series of rocky features trending north-south, so it's just slow going. Especially for me, since I rebroke an ankle in October hiking the Tunxis and am a little touchy about walking on slick wet leaves over wet mossy rocks. Slow was the word. </div>
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Green. Winter greenery is always welcome, but it was really vivid on this hike. All the warm weather we've had this winter has done wonders for our evergreen plants. Even the vernal pool was green. A tiny salamander larvae floated up out of the algae at one point. </div>
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So, I haven't been posting much this year due to a couple injuries that left me unable to carry my heavy camera and then unable to even hike for a spell. Excuse the photos today, they were taken with my Droid. </div>
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More green! </div>
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Here's some trail art. Big chunk of white quartz set on a green mossy rock. There was a fair amount of trail art on the Mattabesett. </div>
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And finally I'm at the Menunkatuck! I love that name. Menunkatuck. It took me about an hour to walk 1.3 miles. But the Menunkatuck proves to be a much easier path, mostly following old woods roads. I suppose this is because it's heading south and isn't going against the geology of the area. </div>
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Very shortly there's a kiosk for Broomstick Ledges, which I'm completely unfamiliar with. There's a sign for both the Town of Guilford and the Guilford Land Trust, leaving me wondering which one of them owns the property.<br />
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Good thing there is no hunting allowed on Sunday, because I'm not wearing blaze orange! Although I'm not crazy about hiking past hunters, I am happy that deer are kept in check so all the animals can live there, not just the most adorable ones. Forests completely stripped by deer are tragic. </div>
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Heading back to my car on the Mattabesett, the trail is again more rugged, and perhaps more scenic, winding up and around linear pools and rocky ledges, with a glimpse of distance hills through the trees. </div>Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628471774296555013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090053058310584097.post-47739216345859784252011-10-09T17:02:00.005-04:002011-10-09T18:38:50.153-04:00Ten Mistakes I've Made Planting LetterboxesIf you don't understand the title to this post, then clearly you have not joined the cult/hobby known as "<a href="http://www.atlasquest.com/">letterboxing</a>" and none of this is going to make sense. For my fellow indoctrinates, I have the following mistakes I've made hiding my boxes, mostly because I was just copying what I had found locally. It was a few years before I discovered some regional variations in hiding techniques and learned from them. <div><br /></div><div><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xcdmNrGdfjA/TpIar0l538I/AAAAAAAAoEo/En7vc71qSDQ/s1600/P1040861.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 311px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xcdmNrGdfjA/TpIar0l538I/AAAAAAAAoEo/En7vc71qSDQ/s400/P1040861.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661617021712457666" border="0" /></a>1. Including ink in the box. Apparently, nobody does this except for most of the boxers in my locale. Ink is really expensive, it gets moldy (above photo) or dried out, it bulks up the box contents so you need a bigger box, and if the box leaks the entire contents can become covered in colored water. Letterboxers often don't even use the ink -- they use their own. So why bother? <br /></div><div><br /></div><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MA7GucTjymc/TpIar9ru7II/AAAAAAAAoEg/3xGUSPVmfWM/s1600/IMG_9743.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MA7GucTjymc/TpIar9ru7II/AAAAAAAAoEg/3xGUSPVmfWM/s400/IMG_9743.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661617024152824962" border="0" /></a><br />2. Using old fashioned Rubbermaid-style containers, even high quality expensive ones ("Housatonic Forest"). They are not designed to have any weight on them and the seal breaks if a rock is placed on them or they are distorted in any way. I only use the heavy rigid <a href="http://www.walmart.com/ip/Lock-and-Lock-20-Piece-Food-Storage-Set/13863684">Lock & Lock</a> style boxes now, with four locking tabs. A popular source for a more cost effective version of Lock & Lock for letterboxing is Ocean State Job Lot, who sells a nice 13.5 oz "Freshness Keeper" for just $1.25 each.<br /><div><br /></div><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y1GZVDEmZoI/TpIarhdhsCI/AAAAAAAAoEY/3Wzif-DWv0Y/s1600/IMG_1716.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y1GZVDEmZoI/TpIarhdhsCI/AAAAAAAAoEY/3Wzif-DWv0Y/s400/IMG_1716.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661617016577044514" border="0" /></a><div><br /><br />3. Using duct tape to conceal a box ("Shelton Canal"). It takes a long time to do, and tape comes off in a sticky way. It's also pretty visible in the winter. Now I use a very thin layer of flat black spray paint formulated for plastic. You're hiding a box in shadows, so a dark box disappears best. I've also seen people use dark brown. One nice thing about spray paint is you can do a lot of boxes up in just a couple of minutes. One option is to leave the purchase sticker on while painting and remove it to form a window. That's something to keep in mind if you're planting in an area where the Secret Service might become suspicious of your box and think it's a bomb. Better yet, don't plant there.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>4. Planting too close to the trail (Riverview Park). I now assume that every box will become exposed. Someone won't rehide well, an animal might dig it up, or a heavy rain might wash away the cover. A box next to the trail will be seen eventually, and likely tampered with. I now try to hide far enough off trail so that if the box is uncovered, the box still won't be seen.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>5. Planting in a drainage area ("Housatonic Forest"). Water washed those boxes right out of their hiding hole! Water can also wash a box down into a crevice where it can't be reached.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>6. Planting in a really neat location that is nearly impossible to write clues for ("Lucy the Fox", for sure). I'm learning to plant near something really distinctive. Doesn't always work, but that's the goal. </div><div><br /></div><div>7. Using cheap plastic bags, especially sandwich bags. They rip, they leak. Best ones are heavy duty freezer bags with double seals. Pint size is best, but very hard to find. I usually carry the freezer bags with me while boxing and replace old flimsy bags that I find.<br /><br />8. Planting in an animal den. Found the box 50 feet away unopened ("Pine Lake").<br /><br />9. Including a pen or pencil in the box. You know what? Boxers are supposed to carry that stuff with them when they go looking for boxes. All a letterbox needs is a stamp, a logbook, and a plastic bag to keep the two dry.<br /><br />10. Planting in a patch of poison ivy during the winter. Oops. ("A Very Long Beach").<br /><br />I've made plenty more mistakes! But I'll just stick with ten here.<br /></div>Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628471774296555013noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090053058310584097.post-12944314997188580512011-09-26T22:03:00.001-04:002011-09-26T22:10:17.998-04:00Phoenix Trees<div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TVGxISbYOzI/ToEu7JspY7I/AAAAAAAAoDM/UH4xfoA5Cmo/s1600/IMAG0798.jpg"><img alt="" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TVGxISbYOzI/ToEu7JspY7I/AAAAAAAAoDM/UH4xfoA5Cmo/s400/IMAG0798.jpg" border="0" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; ">Several days after Tropical Storm Irene, a series of uprooted trees lay over the Shelton Lakes Recreation Path. A volunteer cut away the branches in preparation for cutting up the trunk to firewood size lengths when a very unexpected thing happened: The trees suddenly swung back upright. These trees had been completely on the ground!</div><div style="text-align: left;margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; ">That explains the mysterious tree along Birchbank Trail that had been sawed off at the top well above head height. I always wondered why someone would get up on a ladder and cut the top of a tree off like that in the middle of the forest. It never occurred to me that a tree could upright itself so dramatically. In both cases the trees were on the edge of a swamp. </div><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div style="MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; TEXT-ALIGN: center"><br /></div><div style="clear:both; text-align:CENTER"><a href="http://picasa.google.com/blogger/" target="ext"><img src="http://photos1.blogger.com/pbp.gif" alt="Posted by Picasa" style="border: 0px none ; padding: 0px; background: transparent none repeat scroll 0% 50%; -moz-background-clip: initial; -moz-background-origin: initial; -moz-background-inline-policy: initial;" align="middle" border="0" /></a></div>Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628471774296555013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090053058310584097.post-26718826508889780002011-06-26T13:28:00.013-04:002011-06-26T17:45:53.899-04:00Basil Brook, Shelton<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-00OKVYH55Jc/TgdtatL0GTI/AAAAAAAAnlI/5KHzhFlD4ao/s1600/P1070848.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-00OKVYH55Jc/TgdtatL0GTI/AAAAAAAAnlI/5KHzhFlD4ao/s400/P1070848.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622582965368527154" border="0" /></a>This is the story of a little brook, so small it didn't even have a name until a few weeks ago. It babbled through some back woods, forming swampy ponds when it rained, and drying up when it didn't. Eventually the City bought most of the woods and started building the Shelton Lake Recreation Path through the woods, often right alongside the brook. But no one knew what to call the little stream. The picture above shows the Far Mill River with the little brook coming in on the left. I had to bushwhack from Sycamore Drive to get to this spot, which is located north of Buddington Road.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-quLsogIKQzY/TgdtNf-25JI/AAAAAAAAnkg/-cyJLx7W6Ns/s1600/P1070851.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 356px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-quLsogIKQzY/TgdtNf-25JI/AAAAAAAAnkg/-cyJLx7W6Ns/s400/P1070851.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622582738486224018" border="0" /></a>There is a magnificent stand of Stinging Nettles where the two streams meet, located exactly where I wanted to stand to get a photo. The hairs on the stem are the little stingers. Yes, I did get stung.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NdvQWjiMxsk/TgdtBc6-K6I/AAAAAAAAnkA/wVm7OYoMKXc/s1600/P1070881.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NdvQWjiMxsk/TgdtBc6-K6I/AAAAAAAAnkA/wVm7OYoMKXc/s400/P1070881.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622582531506187170" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8zzU4n9P27M/TgdtNi-IBaI/AAAAAAAAnko/dI88SZecoUM/s1600/P1070853.JPG"><br /></a><div style="text-align: left;">Here's some Royal Fern .... much safer to walk past. I found Royal Fern in several places along the entire length of this brook and a huge stand of it in the headwaters.<br /></div></div><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7EceYbS_m4/TgdvWGOHBgI/AAAAAAAAnlY/MQiVnQ11BYw/s1600/P1070926.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7EceYbS_m4/TgdvWGOHBgI/AAAAAAAAnlY/MQiVnQ11BYw/s400/P1070926.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622585085212952066" border="0" /></a>Let's follow the little brook upstream. The only place you can see the brook from a road is right here, at the intersection of Wesley and Sycamore Drives (<a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?q=wesley+drive+and+sycamore+drive,+shelton,+ct&hl=en&ftid=0x89e80a8843d539a7:0x9c10ad6c319683c6">see map</a>).<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qM1ThDxWm18/TgdtNm03xHI/AAAAAAAAnkw/1-b0g-OOn7c/s1600/P1070860.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qM1ThDxWm18/TgdtNm03xHI/AAAAAAAAnkw/1-b0g-OOn7c/s400/P1070860.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622582740323386482" border="0" /></a>If you walk up Wesley Drive a few hundred yards and go right on the newly constructed Rec Path, you may hear the brook babbling. Very shortly, you'll see it, too.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PXfqAdsva3E/TgdtNwZ4FbI/AAAAAAAAnk4/n1V7fMDPPXA/s1600/P1070864.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PXfqAdsva3E/TgdtNwZ4FbI/AAAAAAAAnk4/n1V7fMDPPXA/s400/P1070864.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622582742894515634" border="0" /></a>A few weeks ago, the Board of Aldermen voted to name the brook "Basil Brook" in honor of Basil Dikovsky, who owns the land to the right of the Rec Path in the photo above. Mr. Dikovsky donated some of his land here a few years ago so that the handicapped-accessible Path wouldn't have to climb up that steep slope to the left.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2TGL5GqXO90/TgdtOGzvCnI/AAAAAAAAnlA/mBLeQjT3ulM/s1600/P1070867.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2TGL5GqXO90/TgdtOGzvCnI/AAAAAAAAnlA/mBLeQjT3ulM/s400/P1070867.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622582748908554866" border="0" /></a>The Rec Path climbs gradually to this scenic overlook of the Basil Brook Valley. Although the Rec Path is located on City property, the brook and valley -- everything in the photo above -- are owned by Mr. Dikovsky.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i85CXC6MCl4/TgdtCCZ_7lI/AAAAAAAAnkQ/qSq4JeTaqi8/s1600/P1070874.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-i85CXC6MCl4/TgdtCCZ_7lI/AAAAAAAAnkQ/qSq4JeTaqi8/s400/P1070874.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622582541568437842" border="0" /></a>If it's been raining, you can hear the sound of a waterfall off in the distance before the path crosses Wesley Drive again. A side trail leads to the waterfall, although recent construction of the Path obliterated the trail entrance. I'm sure the side trail will be restored at some point.<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XwoZuLH0amU/Tgdsw2jg9oI/AAAAAAAAnjQ/1KnfriwK8SA/s1600/P1070887.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XwoZuLH0amU/Tgdsw2jg9oI/AAAAAAAAnjQ/1KnfriwK8SA/s400/P1070887.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622582246329349762" border="0" /></a>After the upper Wesley Drive crossing, the Rec Path first passes an associated vernal pool (the tadpoles were jumping) then comes alongside Basil Brook for a spell. This section of the Path is still under construction.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XwoZuLH0amU/Tgdsw2jg9oI/AAAAAAAAnjQ/1KnfriwK8SA/s1600/P1070887.JPG"><br /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fvxa9K24mYg/TgdtBlm4aZI/AAAAAAAAnkI/-GzJuLmA-ew/s1600/P1070877.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fvxa9K24mYg/TgdtBlm4aZI/AAAAAAAAnkI/-GzJuLmA-ew/s400/P1070877.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622582533837842834" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mdpK0jB9SIo/Tgdsx1Cmd7I/AAAAAAAAnjw/NQ03WoXEJZc/s1600/P1070907.JPG"><br /></a>The haybales placed alongside the Rec Path for sediment and erosion control are sprouting quite the bumper crop of mushrooms.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1rXZ7NcoT-k/TgdsxPM690I/AAAAAAAAnjY/-nZLIFSqHSc/s1600/P1070888.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1rXZ7NcoT-k/TgdsxPM690I/AAAAAAAAnjY/-nZLIFSqHSc/s400/P1070888.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622582252945471298" border="0" /></a>And there it is, our little "Crab Apple Bridge," so named because the nearest street is Crab Apple Circle. It crosses the brook, so maybe we'll start calling it the Basil Brook Bridge.<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TF_WEt3ozv4/TgdsxUODtaI/AAAAAAAAnjg/hBa__-TfAnQ/s1600/P1070889.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TF_WEt3ozv4/TgdsxUODtaI/AAAAAAAAnjg/hBa__-TfAnQ/s400/P1070889.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622582254292415906" border="0" /></a>The brook is flowing pretty strong for this time of year. Most of this water is draining out of a big wooded swamp immediately upstream from the bridge, just around the bend in the photo above.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1rXZ7NcoT-k/TgdsxPM690I/AAAAAAAAnjY/-nZLIFSqHSc/s1600/P1070888.JPG"><br /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eUMWNlMtppo/Tgdsxy5Ad-I/AAAAAAAAnjo/H_jqIGWM0Qo/s1600/P1070904.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eUMWNlMtppo/Tgdsxy5Ad-I/AAAAAAAAnjo/H_jqIGWM0Qo/s400/P1070904.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622582262525622242" border="0" /></a>Here's the source of Basil Brook, a big swamp. Last summer it dried up completely. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XwoZuLH0amU/Tgdsw2jg9oI/AAAAAAAAnjQ/1KnfriwK8SA/s1600/P1070887.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j4IBdXc6puU/TgdsggVj_XI/AAAAAAAAni4/k183lFUcWY4/s1600/P1070916.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-j4IBdXc6puU/TgdsggVj_XI/AAAAAAAAni4/k183lFUcWY4/s400/P1070916.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622581965487340914" border="0" /></a>Very soon a new section of Rec Path will be constructed from the Crab Apple Bridge, along the banks of the swamp, and out to the powerlines. Survey flagging is all there is for now. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RQcLcdqhx_Q/TgdsgbBCfmI/AAAAAAAAniw/71R4rW4ZCBA/s1600/P1070918.JPG"><br /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iZv6hf4sVlA/TgdsgRFfy1I/AAAAAAAAnio/zionEAir6rE/s1600/P1070919.JPG"><br /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mVJ1hv_YSOw/Tgdsgxmsr5I/AAAAAAAAnjA/kAEIDg0Rkis/s1600/P1070910.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mVJ1hv_YSOw/Tgdsgxmsr5I/AAAAAAAAnjA/kAEIDg0Rkis/s400/P1070910.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5622581970122616722" border="0" /></a>Not quite finished. Coming out onto the powerlines, the old Rec Path route (and White Trail) crosses this little streamlet that feeds into the swamp. So maybe this should really be called the beginning of Basil Brook. Such humble beginnings!Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628471774296555013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090053058310584097.post-11926861380618689862011-06-17T09:03:00.003-04:002011-06-17T09:09:15.023-04:00Polyphemus Moth<div style="text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iRWcRhedSDI/TftQvkJvyQI/AAAAAAAAng4/Y9ZMxvwh2k4/s1600/P1070796.JPG"><img src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iRWcRhedSDI/TftQvkJvyQI/AAAAAAAAng4/Y9ZMxvwh2k4/s400/P1070796.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">This huge female <a href="http://www.fcps.edu/islandcreekes/ecology/polyphemus_moth.htm">Polyphemus Moth</a> was hanging out in front of the house. </div><br /><div style="text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-akrr2BpHO7A/TftQv5slxkI/AAAAAAAAnhA/MmOHyQWEXGg/s1600/P1070792.JPG"><img src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-akrr2BpHO7A/TftQv5slxkI/AAAAAAAAnhA/MmOHyQWEXGg/s400/P1070792.JPG" border="0" alt="" /></a></div><div style="text-align:center;margin:0px auto 10px;">Check out those fake eyes! </div>Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628471774296555013noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090053058310584097.post-52710810613315511272011-06-06T09:26:00.001-04:002011-06-12T09:32:01.064-04:00Dust Devil, Shelton<iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tAQixo6PomY" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe><br /><br />This video was taken from my Droid at the new Community Garden location. Machinery had been working over the soil to remove rocks, so it was really dry and dusty.Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628471774296555013noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090053058310584097.post-57299920573353177842011-05-30T22:51:00.002-04:002011-06-04T23:39:36.681-04:00Epic Beach Hike, Cape Cod<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ekv5u2VYjY/Terv7dfi-SI/AAAAAAAAneU/_h62wGMDGY4/s1600/P1070486.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ekv5u2VYjY/Terv7dfi-SI/AAAAAAAAneU/_h62wGMDGY4/s400/P1070486.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614563690279008546" border="0" /></a>Here's the starting point, the Race Point Ranger Station, way out on the far tip of Cape Cod. The destination: Race Point Lighthouse, only two miles away. Ha ha ha ha....<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EnQ-ZuuF2ss/Terv6_Mts9I/AAAAAAAAneE/s3QCdPPjDTg/s1600/P1070487.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EnQ-ZuuF2ss/Terv6_Mts9I/AAAAAAAAneE/s3QCdPPjDTg/s400/P1070487.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614563682146956242" border="0" /></a>OK, so let's head down to this National Seashore beach. Which appears to be covered in....RV's??? Yup. Lines of 4WD and RVs, mostly fishing.<br /><div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IBnSZH2vukA/Terv7ETimAI/AAAAAAAAneM/mrfdH9VRwIA/s1600/P1070489.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 306px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IBnSZH2vukA/Terv7ETimAI/AAAAAAAAneM/mrfdH9VRwIA/s400/P1070489.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614563683517765634" border="0" /></a>By the looks of it, people were catching fish. Biscuit was terrified of a carcass left behind. Later I saw a big fat retriever chomping on a carcass as if he does that all the time.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wHzFHwGaIS4/TervwWZFhAI/AAAAAAAAndo/7mHI6YW3Lc0/s1600/P1070501.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wHzFHwGaIS4/TervwWZFhAI/AAAAAAAAndo/7mHI6YW3Lc0/s400/P1070501.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614563499394302978" border="0" /></a>After a bit I entered a zone where vehicles are prohibited and had a long stretch of beach all to myself. This photo is looking back at the fishermen.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SMZ3M62b_h8/TervwRgNsOI/AAAAAAAAndg/O07Hm0rosCQ/s1600/P1070499.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SMZ3M62b_h8/TervwRgNsOI/AAAAAAAAndg/O07Hm0rosCQ/s400/P1070499.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614563498082021602" border="0" /></a>Ahhhh.....That's more like it!<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3F6_MdlD-P0/TervwAmyp4I/AAAAAAAAndY/U1UcBEyDaRE/s1600/P1070495.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3F6_MdlD-P0/TervwAmyp4I/AAAAAAAAndY/U1UcBEyDaRE/s400/P1070495.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614563493546207106" border="0" /></a>In one spot, there were half a dozen big Moonsnails left behind by the tide, still alive. They're about three inches across and normally burrow into the sand, where they eat clams. Why they were stuck up on shore, I don't know.<br /></div></div><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tNMp3Bw8DCk/Tervw4ng-hI/AAAAAAAAndw/OGS5iaI_Rp8/s1600/P1070502.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tNMp3Bw8DCk/Tervw4ng-hI/AAAAAAAAndw/OGS5iaI_Rp8/s400/P1070502.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614563508581628434" border="0" /></a>After walking and walking and walking...past another line of vehicles, another empty beach, and then a third line of fishermen, and forever rounding the corner of the Cape, the Race Point Lighthouse finally peaked over the back of the dunes. I almost didn't see it back there, and nearly walked right past it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9S3ZwOuJl8/TervxFWpQrI/AAAAAAAAnd4/hzCEtpE7gzk/s1600/P1070508.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d9S3ZwOuJl8/TervxFWpQrI/AAAAAAAAnd4/hzCEtpE7gzk/s400/P1070508.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614563512000529074" border="0" /></a>The only way to get to the lighthouse is by 4WD or your own 2 legs. Maybe by boat.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p3twuwhofyk/TervlGPHdnI/AAAAAAAAncw/ddoXUT3pPgM/s1600/P1070512.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 325px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p3twuwhofyk/TervlGPHdnI/AAAAAAAAncw/ddoXUT3pPgM/s400/P1070512.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614563306078959218" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">Some interesting vegetation in the back dunes here. A patchwork of color. The bright green is poison ivy.<br /></div><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UbuHRoahgd0/TervlfQKlpI/AAAAAAAAnc4/W8pjPTpaaKI/s1600/P1070516.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 356px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UbuHRoahgd0/TervlfQKlpI/AAAAAAAAnc4/W8pjPTpaaKI/s400/P1070516.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614563312794244754" border="0" /></a>The pink and white are Beach Plum blossoms.<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G1-mpMWcfTw/TervluGTWDI/AAAAAAAAndA/-QL0MKVyslQ/s1600/P1070517.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 344px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G1-mpMWcfTw/TervluGTWDI/AAAAAAAAndA/-QL0MKVyslQ/s400/P1070517.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614563316779407410" border="0" /></a>And the soft gray-green is moss or lichens growing on the Beach Plum.<br /><br /></div></div></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CVJiAq0c3zg/TervmPrXGdI/AAAAAAAAndQ/NSlAZqZsTjU/s1600/P1070526.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CVJiAq0c3zg/TervmPrXGdI/AAAAAAAAndQ/NSlAZqZsTjU/s400/P1070526.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614563325793212882" border="0" /></a>OK, then, now it's time to walk back. Through the soft sand. Two more miles. Each mile was the equivalent or 2 or 3 miles of normal walking. By the way, did I mention there are no restroom facilities or any bushes along the entire route? I lugged a bunch of water on the hike but was afraid to drink any of it.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9_fpZkfm7uw/TervmPbPKAI/AAAAAAAAndI/VoIh_EVmT1g/s1600/P1070522.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 288px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9_fpZkfm7uw/TervmPbPKAI/AAAAAAAAndI/VoIh_EVmT1g/s400/P1070522.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5614563325725583362" border="0" /></a>Two fishing boats.<br /></div><br />The walk was quite a workout and my legs were sore for about five days!<br /></div><br /></div>Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628471774296555013noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2090053058310584097.post-77199794558536828022011-05-30T10:02:00.001-04:002011-05-30T10:02:11.658-04:00Somebody Loves Dogs<p><a href='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KUEnovttmMY/TeOjX5lNjMI/AAAAAAAAnZY/m-DdtDUwF7s/IMAG0439.jpg'><img src='http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KUEnovttmMY/TeOjX5lNjMI/AAAAAAAAnZY/m-DdtDUwF7s/s400/IMAG0439.jpg' /></a></p>Here's a box of dog treats nailed to a tree. Wow! This was out on the Cape, at a place called John Kendrick Woods in Orleans. Almost makes up for the fact that dogs are banned from all the trails in Cape Cod National Seashore. So, to whoever it is that put the biscuits there...Thank you!<div style='clear: both; text-align: center; font-size: xx-small;'>Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.8</div>Teresahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04628471774296555013noreply@blogger.com2