Some Natural Wonders

Abraham found an interesting mushroom.

Joe was impressed with a tree canker.

Isaiah had a good time locating the tree blazes on the edge of the property.

Some trees had incredibly deep grooves in their bark.

A few weeks ago, the forester explained how some of the oddly bent trees become oddly bent. A flexible tree bends down for some reason. A low-lying branch grows up as the new trunk, and eventually the original trunk breaks off. The most exaggerated example on the land is enormous, even when foreshortened.

It's nice to have that puzzle cleared up.

Another example of the flexible trees is smaller, and younger.

I love the little waterfalls along the spring fed creek.

There's an incredible stump from a downed tree that positively dwarfs all the boys, especially Joe.

The forester said that Running Cedar is a sign of fertile soil. We are happy to see a good amount of Running Cedar on the forest floor.

Abraham found several spice berries, bits of bushes that smell delicious. He was very pleased.

Near the end of the hike: Abraham rested on a pile of firewood.

Abraham (and others) loved finding acorns.

The intersection of roots and rocks remains long after a tree has fallen.

I found one untouched beech nut (I think): two bristly triangles revealed two small brown nuts.

Once the skin peeled off, the white triangular flesh was quite delicious: Isaiah asked for more. I think the squirrels beat us.