Today we celebrated our annual trek to High Ledges, in particular to see the Lady Slippers. We were thrilled to discover a ground nest of either a Vireo or Oven Bird with 4 blue eggs. We quietly took our photos and moved quickly away and of course didn’t disturb the nest or the area around… Continue reading

On and off showers were predicted so we took our chances and hiked the “rest” of the Ridge Trail in Buckland/Ashfield. We’d hiked a good part of it in winter when we came across the footprints of many many coyotes in the snow – it looked like a sort of coyote summit meeting but no… Continue reading

One of our really best hikes, so we’re going back next week to explore some of the trails we haven’t been on yet. Dubuque Forest is close to 7000 acres!Today’s trail started along a river lined with remnants of what must have been really impressive mills, in particular there were tanneries that utilized the abundant… Continue reading

At last the day came for our return to Bear Swamp today to celebrate the Spring wildflowers. We hike Bear Swamp in every season, but in Spring it’s really spectacular. An overcast, misty day was the perfect backdrop for photos. There were lots of Painted Trillium in the highest places, the red Trillium (photo 5)… Continue reading

We went far afield today on a 2 hour drive to get to Bartholomews Cobble today. So worth traveling the distance! If you’re interested, Google Bartholomews Cobble and read of the rich geological history of the area. At this time of year, it becomes a much visited site for seeing the spring wildflowerrs. They are… Continue reading

Bear Swamp is one of our favorite hiking places. We always make a mid-May hike there to celebrate the great variety of wildflowers that carpet the forest floor.. Beautiful streams, pools, climbs, rocks, birdsong, and surprises. The dogs went on their own jaunts as we tested our brains for recall of plant names. One photo… Continue reading