October 18, 2017

Notes and Changes since last report

• It was 65°F, clear and calm at 2:00 PM on October 18, 2017.
• This week's trail report covers the Wappinger Creek Trail side of the trail system.
• The air was cool, the sun was warm, fall colors were lacking.
• Next week will be the last trail report of the season with the grounds closing the following week.

The Trails

• It felt like fall, it smelled like fall, but it still didn't look much like fall at the front Old Hayfield by Gifford House.
• One single spotted knappweed was at the head of the Sedge Meadow Trail and a bee had found it.
• A mourning dove or two passed overhead.
• A few puffballs were underfoot.
• In between, juniper berries were abundant.
• Where the path becomes a tunnel, the burning bush was getting some color.
• The boardwalk below was now covered with fallen leaves.
• Low, afternoon sun lit up a branch of another burning bush.
• Although it was October, mayflies were rising and falling in clouds.
• In the back Old Hayfield, a lone violet was blooming.
• Across on the other side was about the best color around so far.
• In the field itself, common milkweed was releasing its flying seeds.
• Even if there wasn't much color, the view from the bluff over the Wappinger Creek was still nice.
• Ironwood is known by several names including musclewood because of its rippling bark.
• Its odd fruit was drying on the branches.
• Down in the flood plain, Japanese barberry was taking on a little color.
• A favorite view from the bench at the "Appendix" was muted. See how it looks next week.
• Next week: the Cary Pines Trail side of the trail system.