My addiction has become overwhelming. Like some sort of psychopath I am nearly driven crazy by my own enfatuation, and sick desires. It’s consuming me, day by day, more and more. Most of my time is spent thinking about it, and it’s even beginning to interfere with my work life. That’s right folks, I’m referring to my disturbing passion for NATURE!
Having worked the lunch crowd today, it was definitely one of those mundane Thursday’s you never really plan on remembering. It’s getting to that point. You know what point I mean - the point where the senior citizens of the world are low on money and are thus eating out much less and tipping not nearly as well! The end of the month can leave a waiters apron relatively devoid of cash, especially when the majority of your clientelle are on a fixed income! But, have no fear - I sold my FIRST piece of matted/framed artwork at the resturant!
Word is getting around about my artistic inclination, and I am recieving offers from all sorts of people, asking for all sorts of things. What’s more, is I’m saturated with enthusiasm and inspiration. This Nikon D60 has allowed more possibilities with photography and photo referencing than I ever had before, and is going to really be an essential part in creating my new portfolio. (Hmmm…something to ponder perhaps?) I have a pretty big endeavor planned (actually a few), but we’ll see how it all pans out in the end. Afterall, if you set yourself up for grand accomplishments you subsequently set yourself up for grand failures!!!
After rolling out of work (blaring the ‘Hallucinate’ track from Def Leppard’s latest, “Songs From The Sparkle Lounge”), I stopped by the apartment, grabbed my dirty laundry and drove it over to my parents. (Yes, my mom still does my laundry - I have no washer OR drier.) Then it was off to the gym where I continued my cardio work out. I’ve been doing well, losing weight again…you know…the weight I gained *back* after I quit smoking this year. (Almost 6 months now.) After about an hour of sweating my ass off and running myself into the ground, I opted for some more “fun” exercise and set off for my new discovery and hiking trail.
The trail itself is man-made. In fact, even as I sit here, it’s unfinnished. There is an educational center to be built, as well as an observation platform, and well - I’ll find out more tomorrow when I talk to the head supervisor of the project.
I suppose what makes this trail so endearing is the fact that it is a natural wetland that most people who live in this town have no idea about. In fact, it disturbs me to know that I was completely unaware that such a diversity in habitat and wildlife could be found within 2 miles of my apartment. I think that bringing awareness to locals of this area will bring some initial stress on the wildlife, but will do them much better in the long run. (After all, we can’t protect and conserve that which we didn’t even know existed!)
So, having a few ideas up my sleeve, I hiked down my new-found trail after my workout at the gym in hopes of catching some photos of more wildlife. (Oh btw…the photos I posted here in my last entry were from a previous jaunt to this very area.)
D60 in hand, I scampered down a path which was cradled in an assortment of trees including sumac, big-toothed aspen, and wild apple. A big, fat, plump Chicken of the Woods mushroom sit poised in the root-crotch of an oak - but I disgress it was too slug chewed to be desireable. The wild apple trees are already dropping some fruit, and, judging by the array of hoof prints beneath the tree, the resident doe and her twin fawns have likely been taking advantage of it’s accessability in recent days. Locals from the chemical plant also report a small litter of bobcats, and a trophy sized white-tail buck near the ‘meadow loop’ of the trail. The meadow is heaven to butterflies, and I even caught a quick photo of an unusual butterfly known as the Wood Nymph. With it’s eye-like wing patterns, it gave me the impression that a tiny owl was perched on the ground before me!
As you further yourself down the trail, into the forest, the air becomes heavier, damper, and almost soggy. Skunk Cabbage, one of springs first plants are beginning to wane a bit as summer lengthens. They cover the ground for acres upon acres, intermingled amongst the trees. These unique plants exhibit the unusual ability to generate heat within themselves. This is called “thermo genesis” and intensifies the plants skunk-like odor, which in turn attracts a wide variety of insects to assist in pollenation.
American Hornbeam, a tree of wet swampy soil also occurs along the trail. This was my first experience with American Hornbeam, so I was interested to see it intermingled along the edges of the wetland.
A wide assortment of dragonflies and damselflies occur along the bridged areas. Moist run offs and puddled swampishness made bridges a requirement along the path. Cattails stand, looking rather ragged, and serve as the perfect perch for these amazing acrobatic insects. I haven’t even begun to research dragonflies or damselflies, but the new trail has definitely inspired me to do so!!
The true star of the show however is rarely seen. He is to blame for the flooding, and the lush habitat so many other animals call home. In my three days of scouting the trail, only tonite did I manage to get some pictures of natures busiest creature; the BEAVER!
I’ve seen plenty of muskrats in my jaunts, but never a beaver. Let alone THIS close to my house!
It seemed to me that Mr. Beaver was as interested in getting a good look at me as I was getting some shots of him. He posed numerous times, occassionally sliding back under the water’s surface. However, his habit of coming out late in the evening (and moving continually) made him a very difficult subject to photograph! Mark my words, I’ll get some better shots than this.
Great blue herons, wood ducks, green herons, osprey, muskrats, belted kingfishers, bobcats, skunks, possoms, squirrels, turkeys, deer, numerous songbirds and a wide variety of reptiles and amphibians are going to make this a VERY interesting spot for future blog entries.
I hope you fall in love with the place as much as I have! Enjoy the rest of this evenings photos!
…btw, even as much as *I* love nature, this fascinating Pandorus Sphinx Moth caterpillar was enough to make me cringe. It was over three inches LONG!
