Readers, Welcome to my blog (formerly Birds, Blooms, Books, etc). I'm entering a new decade taking on the challenge of moving from Maryland after living there 46 years and learning about my new home here in New England in the Live Free or Die state - New Hampshire. Join me as a write this new chapter of my life.

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Walk to My House

I live on a private lane with a driveway that is 1/5 of a mile in length.  It makes for a nice walk down to the end but quite a workout going back up.  Walk with me.



Here's where the lane meets our driveway.  We placed a large stone with our address there.

We start walking with the wetlands to our right.



Here's the first turn of several.  A huge sycamore and a tulip poplar tree are competing for the same spot on the left.


 The next turn



brings us to the dinosaur.




Well, it's a downed branch or trunk from this willow oak.  It looks like its still alive with the new growth showing.


A spot of color other than green in the wetlands.


The driveway continues with a row of volunteer sycamores flanking the right side.


To the next turn.  A walnut tree, dead, leans against living trees.  we've been watching it slowly lower.  One day we may hear the boom of it falling to earth.


 Here's a look into the glen on our left with all the tall trunks of trees competing for sunlight.



 Around another turn as we cross a creek.


 Look to the right and there is the creek showing evidence of high water earlier this summer.


A look down into the wetlands as we climb the driveway.


 The final turn before the biggest climb.


 Our driveway runs along a pipeline easement at this point.


 Looking back you can see the easement into the distance.


 On our left is a grove of white pine.


Black pine were probably some of the first trees to grow back after this land was cleared.


Almost to the top.  Out of breath?


The vegetable garden and roofline come into sight.


Here we have arrived.  Thanks for joining me on this walk.


Monday, August 17, 2015

August Vacation Trip (4 of 4)

Other Parks Near Wellsboro, PA.

We visited several parks nearby including Hills Creek State Park where we had a nice hike around the lake and a picnic lunch.  It was too cool to swim in the lake.  All of the PA parks we visited were free.  This was quite a pleasant surprise for us.







Joe Pye weed in full bloom.


We also had a cookout supper at Cherry Springs State Park.
The Endless Mountain Music Festival sponsored a brass quintet concert there that evening followed by a tour of the night sky.  This park is an international dark sky park.  Sorry no photos but we did see the Milky Way very clearly and were awed by shooting stars.



Another day we went to see birds unsuccessfully at The Muck.





These wetlands were beautiful in the morning light.  We heard the frogs and could see some ducks in the distance but nothing close by.







A bat house?


If you are ever up in northern PA you may want to make a stop in Wellsboro and the surrounding areas.




Saturday, August 15, 2015

Church Spires in Wellsboro, PA


This church played recorded chimes on the hour and half hour and at 6 o'clock each night played a selection of hymns.  We could hear this from the house we rented.








Not sure if this was once a church or a school  Now it's apartments.  It has a beautiful view of the town green.



This church was on Main Street in Wellsboro, PA.



Another church steeple.