I’m back inside until this nor’easter passes.
Two days ago I saw bear scat right near a spot I call “Halfway Boulder.” I also saw fresh coyote scat further along the trail. In both cases the animals were crossing the trail and continuing into the woods. I could see the trails under the blueberry and huckleberry bushes now in full bloom. Today, less than one-tenth of a mile away from the first bear scat I find fresh bear scat.
I’d planned to hike to the lake and write, breakfasting on fresh shadbush berries, but the nor’easter arrived sooner than predicted. I’m glad I got a look at the scat before the rain washes it all away.
It’s a perfect day to catch up on my reading and add titles to my ever-growing book list and student book list.
In the entertainment world the “red carpet” creates a sense of excitement. I’m equally awe-struck by the “pink aisle” - a profusion of mountain laurel blossoms lining both sides of the gently downhill sloping trail, which curves toward the right. The low-bush blueberries produce white flowers, while red huckleberry flowers add texture to the scene. Next month I’ll have blueberries for breakfast.
The maples form a canopy overhead, so only a few raindrops reach the trail. A towhee calls, then an ovenbird. I think about the naturalist authors who shared their knowledge in books. Books are a treasured legacy. I meet many of my teachers on the page. Without them, I’d experience so much less of the natural world.