Spring Hike
One cool looking tree
Last weekend, I ventured out into a cold, windy & rainy day in the woods. I love how the woods look and smell with a mystical touch of rain, plus I love bundling up against the elements, staying warm and dry. My hermit nature loves having the woods to all myself.
A cold, rainy welcome
The Dutchman’s Breeches are peeking through. How delicious!
Thoreua once said, “I frequently tramped eight or ten miles through the deepest snow to keep an appointment with a beech-tree, or a yellow birch, or an old acquaintance among the pines.” From the first time I heard this quote, it made me smile. I didn’t know of anyone else besides myself that visited trees. On this hike, I took some photos of some of my favorites.
The pictures below are of “Old Blue”, whom I have visited for 23 years. According to a ‘tree guy’, it’s a Blue Ash & is estimated to be 150 years old, which is actually pretty young for a tree. This tree looks dead but it still gets buds & greenery way at the top. It is truly dying, however, and an animal took up residence within it a few seasons ago. I simply like visiting this tree; it seems like a special tree. Maybe someday it will whisper a secret to me.
Isn’t it the height of human folly and arrogance to believe we know all there is to perceive about hundred year old trees?
Below is another tree I have always loved, but this one tumbled over in a storm last spring. The root system is amazing and interesting. One thing I love about trees is how quickly other things grow out of the rich soil they provide as they decay. Although I was sad to see this old tree fall, new life was born the moment it fell.
With the dampness, the fungi & mushrooms were plentiful. I admit to having a moss obsession; I love the stuff. The photo below is my favorite kind. When I work with children, I always have them feel the moss and take a look at the miniature world it creates. Most of the time you can find interesting bugs crawling around on the deep green. To get these shots, I had to lay on my belly on the forest floor, which I highly recommend. It makes you feel like a kid again.
About halfway into my hike, the clouds cleared & blue sky appeared. Is it strange to be disappointed to see sunshine? I was all prepared for hours in the rain, but the sun broke through &, contrary to the weather forecast, the day turned bright, warm & beautiful.
Warm sunshine
I quickly adjusted to this new scenario & spent a good hour or so laying by a brook sunning myself like a cat, listening to the gurgle of the water.
I saw two water striders! I took a photo but he is hard to see. You can look & see if you can find him.
As I watched the water, the wind, and the animals move around me, I was a little apprehensive that many people, especially decision makers, do not value the wild places; that many people have never known the magic of spending a day alone in the woods. I wish everyone could experience these moments. As a society, I believe we would make better decisions.
When will we value the tumble of water on its path to the sea & the toss of leaves dancing in the wind?