CATCHING UP!
In case you have been wondering, I have been out of touch while taking a long delayed trip to Connecticut. It was fun seeing the contrast in the spring developments. Though my daffodils in Maine were starting to burst open, they were in full bloom in Southbury. The lilac was leafing out, with buds formed. In my yard, the Bloodroot, Violets and Dutchmen's Breeches were all in bloom. Everywhere, the forsythia made a colorful statement. People were even heard mowing their lawns! I had a chance to hike with Land Trust friends up in the hills where a new piece of property may become available to the town. The property is farmland primarily, and will continue to be used for cattle as you see in this picture. This is typical Connecticut farmland with the outcroppings of rock, and stone walls. This area is called the "Purchase" because it was literally bought from the native Americans living there. It was fun checking on the emerging plants and finding the first hidden salamanders. My long time hiking friend, Ernie, was kind enough to hold a branch of a Tulip Tree with its first leaves and swollen buds. One downer: I picked up my first tick! Now we are back after what appears to be a rainy weekend.

Cleanup is still going on both here and in Connecticut. They had 8 inches of rain in CT, with overflowing rivers and streams causing considerable damage. In Maine, the waters have subsided, but the downed trees must still be dealt with. Over at the campground, the Island Road can be traversed, but many of the side roads are closed off due to storm damage. Roger and his crew are trying to turn on the water, and clean up campsites since May is now here! The picture you see below was taken near the Yankee dock looking north on Harbor Grove. In fact that sign says: HG 5. I doubt if sites are reachable from the other side either.

I set out to see what was emerging and singing (!) in the woodlands here in Maine. I walked over to the trails at Center Pond and had a glorious encounter with patches of Trailing Arbutus - surely a harbinger of spring! I haven't seen this plant blooming in quite a while and it was a visual treat. In the picture, you see these starlike flowers and the vibrant green leaves. It is also fragrant, but you have to knee down with your nose to the ground to enjoy the smell.

Also, on this outing, I uncovered several Red Backed Salamanders and scared sunning Turtles into the water. Peepers were singing their love songs, but became silent when I came close with a net. Those frogs are so small and have a way of hiding. I did not detect any recent beaver activity and the lodge looks vacated. I have heard that the beavers at the campground have been seen recently. I need to get over there...........!

5/4/07 Ronnie in May Maine.