Hamilton Wetlands and Forest

  A visit to the Forest and Marsh after a night of very welcome summer rain.  Although the cloud cover persisted, everything looked refreshed. Even the slugs seemed invigorated.   Three of them formed a loosely organised parade.  Foamflower continues to abound along the path.  A close look at its blossoms shows little stars along the main stem. It had been some time since I visited the side loop trail.  Despite last night's rain, it was easily passable.  The stand of hemlock glowed in a patch of sunlight. It appears that the "Forest Gnome" who maintains trails has set a nice bench along the loop. Although it would have been a fine place to sit and enjoy the fragrance and sounds of the forest, the bench was still quite wet from the night's rain...  Another time. For this visit, I made my way to the dock, and sat on sundried boards, drinking coffee and enjoying the view.  The Marsh was quiet--no bird song.  There was an occasional "ee...

  A return to the Hamilton Marsh after too long an absence--out of town travel, a sprained ankle, assorted other tedious obligations.   The Forest and Marsh now show themselves as  midway through the summer months.  Despite a dry spring and an alarmingly low snowfall, today it  feels almost chilly. The foamflowers and fallen timber glow in the forest light. A pathfinder plant is starting to seed, with its odd flowers. Throughout the Forest, ocean spray is in full bloom. Summer fungi are emerging.  This is one of a generation of turkey tails that have been occupying this downed log for some months. The bracken fern above shows the effect of the dry spring. The water level in the Marsh is down, predictably.   Mount Arrowsmith is very nearly bare of snow--much more than would be expected at this time of year. The skies over the Marsh are often spectacular.  Today was no exception. Spirea is in full bloom along the Marsh fringe. It seems as ...