October 21, 2020

Broad Beech Fern

Notes and Changes since last report

• It was 65°F, cloudy and windy at 2:15 PM on October 21, 2020.
• By the end of the walk it would be clear and warm with katydids and spring peepers still calling.
• There were few birds, no butterflies, but finer fall colors than we've had in perhaps several years.
• This week's trail report covers the Wappinger Creek Trail side of the trail system.
• Note that the grounds close November 1st. This week's trail report is the last of the season.

The Trails

• Now is the time of year when the spread of burningbush throughout our woods can really be seen.
• Japanese barberry was finally getting its color up to speed.
• The overall effect is more orange and less pink than burningbush. The eye can learn to distinguish between them even at 55 mph.
• Ah, the maples below Trail Marker 10 were lit up just right today. I was waiting for this.
• At the head of the Cary Pines Trail, an electric glow turned out to be a leaf in the sun.
• Other colors in the shade looked unnatural as well.
• By now the sun was full out on the ridge above the gorge.
• A peek over the edge revealed mad waters carving a hole in the rocks.
• The texture of hemlock bark in the afternoon light was stark.
• In the background, a sapling was glowing for just a few minutes in a beam of sunlight.
• Shadows across the road above the Fern Glen suggested it might be later than imagined.
• It was still shining by the parking lot.
• Some shrubs at the corner were getting some sun.
• Azalea had buds ready for spring.
• American hazelnut catkins were prepared as well.
• The water of the pond was almost black.
• It made a great mirror along the edge.
• The path behind the pond made a tunnel through the sweet pepperbush.
• I might describe the leaves as a pale lemon yellow.
• A perfect, white broad beech fern stood out against the chaos of fallen leaves.
• Witch hazel could be smelled from the road.
• It seemed to be at peak bloom with dense clusters of blossoms.
• The stone bridge had such a graceful arc across the water.
• Staghorn sumac leaves seemed to answer the texture of the stones.
• A seedling in the mortar was reaching out as far as it could.
• The run through the Old Gravel Pit let out to the classic view of Gifford House across the Little Bluestem Meadow.
• Maples and oaks along Rt. 44 were catching some last rays of sunlight.
• The Scots Pine Allée was finished, as was I.
• Next season: The Wappinger Creek Trail side of the trail system.

Sightings