This has been a uniquely wonderful day. We were led by Charlie, a 70 year old savant on the Aspbergers spectrum, and Tony, a loyal, playful, good friend to Charile. Tony is with Mass Fish and Wildlife. We were on a 1300 acre parcel that is mostly contiguous with thousands of other acres. Both Tony and Charlie are avid and knowledgeable birders, and Tony kids around with Charlie a lot. As well, Charlie knows ALL the plants, and their latin names, although Tony says he’s never seen Charlie pick up a book! The weather was clear, with a bit of a breeze, and in the lower 40s. Some of the trails were really icy, but Charlie plowed on. Photo of willow gall, a really old gnarled apple tree, and a pleasant meeting with two chocolate labs and their owner are included but there was SO much more to this great day!! Laid back lunch after the hike at the Creamery in CUmmington where I had roasted vegetable and black bean soup with grilled corn bread …. and word has it that the clam chowder was great today. Wishing – really! – that you’d been with me today, Love, Penny 
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