Alright, summers are always full of sun and rain. It just feels different this year. Wilmington sits on top of the spine of Vermont. It is a decent descent to either Brattleboro or Bennington. The storms this summer have been both widespread and very localized. The flood events are obviously the widespread systems, but the majority seem to be these pop up storms. There is no rain to the west until the air is pushed up to a higher elevation, Wilmington, where it cools and rains on us. It is the nature of weather. But the rain is getting old. Yesterday was a spectacular day at the lake. Mid to upper 80's, not much humidity, just small puffy clouds passing through and water temperature that is still refreshing. Sure, I should have done something a bit more physical, but when the perfect days come about like yesterday, one has to take advantage of them because they are fleeting. It is one or two then let it rain again. So today was a bit wet early, cleared some, then got very wet again and brought some cold with it. I took advantage of that window of clearing and headed up the Adams Hill Branch of the Rock River for some rock hounding. Found the green nickel mineral, granierite and a brown druzy quartz. I would have stayed longer, but the mosquitos were horrendous. I have to walk up the river/stream (about 20' across and very rocky) to the source. The northwest side of the stream is old hemlock forest that looks ancient, fantastical and comforting. It helps too that it was filled with a wide variety of fungi. Too many chantrelles to pick. I really should find a restaurant that wants them. It seems a waste to let them rot in the forest. The saving grace being their spores will fall to fruit again at a future date.
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As was mentioned earlier, rain is good. The forest floor is now chock full of fungi. Some good, some bad, but all are interesting. These boletes of which porcini's are a member are not as flavorful as morels, but sure give a nutty flavor to eggs, rice, and sandwiches. The feather was found on the excursion. These, plus others, were put to use in a lazy mans risotto; porcinis, sweet onion, garlic and parmesan added to rice. Yum. Then, put any extra 'schrooms in the next mornings eggs - in any manner you can imagine. Eggs and mushrooms go together like fungi and forests. Speaking of what forests provide, this bear family needs the depth and breadth of a good forest to remain healthy and free from idiots like me who like to objectify animals. This could balloon into how we objectify other things, but no need here. I just love watching, seeing, discovering animals in the wild. It is a thrill that hasn't faded in 64 years. From catching frogs and salamanders as a kid, to fishing, hunting, photography and simple observation, it never gets old, any old critter is great and creates that spark that says, "how fortunate". Okay, most baby animals are cute as buttons (where did that phrase come from - started as bright as a button, then morphed), but bear cubs raise it a notch. Not just due to their physical appearance, but their antics. This duo was wrestling on the side of the road. It took them a bit to notice the car as they were busy climbing a short ways up trees, jumping off onto each other and rolling around onto the road. Mom had to be close, but where? Near me, ahead of me, behind, near the cubs? Getting out of the car didn't seem smart until I knew her location. Then, yes, ahead of me, in front of the cubs. Stupidly, I crept forward and they finally noticed. One of these days I'll think video instead of stills. A thrill nonetheless. |
Retired Educator
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