On a dark and drizzly day, brightly colored plants, fungi, and slime molds seem to shine! Drizzling and darkGreen turns to goldForest alchemyWith the sun’s light hiddenThe light of the leavesThe dying of chlorophyllReveling the bright huesGreen becomes pale yellowGreen bursts forth into crimson redThe tree trunks are muted, wet and greyLast year’s oak leavesContinue reading “Nick’s Woods on a Fall Day”
Tag Archives: #hikeworcester
Spring Ledge Early Autumn
Umbers, ochres, dark greens Muted light softens the shadows Light emanates from the plants Ferns, mosses, blueberries seem to glow like embers Sparks of color – clear reds and yellows A pair of Tupelo trees grow by the edge of a meadow. They are unusual for this area. Their leathery leaves are bright and vibrant.Continue reading “Spring Ledge Early Autumn”
Retractable Orange Antennae
I had no idea! Spicebush Swallowtail caterpillars have antennae! I must have startled this one. As I approached, I noticed the bright little antlers. I have observed these creatures over the past couple of years. I had even brought a few caterpillars into my home to witness their transformation from caterpillars to butterflies. But, theContinue reading “Retractable Orange Antennae”
Another Kind of Primrose Moth
The Primrose glistened – tiny droplets coated tender trichomes. As I walked through the garden, I was delighted to see a small, rosy pink moth. Heretofore, I was familiar with Schinia florida – Primrose Moth. I was only recently aware of its existence, but I was deeply smitten! But, today’s moth was much smaller andContinue reading “Another Kind of Primrose Moth”
Peach
In the first week of February, I rescued a cat with a broken leg. https://hellstripheaven.com/2023/02/01/cat-with-leg-injury/ I was thrilled to get her off the streets and provide her with medical care. However, I felt terrible about leaving her kitten behind. This single kitten was on her own in the cold. She was wily. It took overContinue reading “Peach”
Difley Family Forest
On Monday, I decided to explore GWLT’s Difley Family Forest in Paxton. There were ample parking spaces in a large lot beyond the elementary school. The trailhead was clearly marked. The day was grey and the air was heavy with the promise of rain. My nose was chilly. But, a brisk autumn day can beContinue reading “Difley Family Forest”
Cook’s Pond
Wednesday was a crisp, bright fall day. I took Lucy and Floki on a short, easy jaunt in the woods. We decided to explore GWLT’s Cook’s Pond. We parked at GWLT’s Cascades trailhead on Olean Street. This is a nice level lot which could accommodate at least 6 cars. We crossed the street and headedContinue reading “Cook’s Pond”
Moreland Woods
On Tuesday, I decided to try out one of the trails listed on Greater Worcester Land Trust’s “Hike Week”. I have enjoyed hiking some of GWLT’s trails with my family. But, for the first time, I wanted to try a solo hike. I have often passed by the GWLT sign on Moreland Street and wonderedContinue reading “Moreland Woods”
Blueberry Hill
Today was a glorious day. Sunlight warmed the vibrant fall foliage. It was a perfect day to explore one of GWLT’s sites with my dog, Floki. I opted to try Blueberry Hill for the first time. The site is unmarked, but there was a nice, level parking spot which could accommodate at least 3 cars. Continue reading “Blueberry Hill”
Hellstrip Heaven 