Walking the Gorge

Decided to walk the Gorge this morning despite 94% humidity... sort of like breathing through a wet sponge.

The trail starts in the camp ground between sites 37 and 48 marked by blue blazes on the trees.

My first wildlife encounter was Mr and Mrs Hairy Woodpecker,
 who didn't stay around long enough for a photo.

Not that it mattered, since I elected to carry the little Canon instead to conserve my energy.

After a very steep descent, thank goodness for walking sticks, I approached the first of 3 footbridges, just a tiny 2 track along the boggy edge. The abundant rainfall is obvious as the trail is soggy and the bogs are floating.





Robins accompanied me the entire way and one lone Chickadee put in a brief appearance.

 The excessive rain and winds have taken a toll on the trees. The root base on this one was taller than me. Pine trees don't have deep tap roots and doesn't take a very strong wind to bring one down when the ground is saturated.

I know the sign says 0.5 mi but I swear I walked 10 miles getting to this point. 

End of the line, and this little bench was a most welcome sight... Weather changed dramatically when when I reached the river, a cool breeze whisked away the sweat and the refreshing sound of cascading water had a definite psychological effect. 

A Common Yellowthroat surprised me singing loudly from a short shrub with a very northern accent. Didn't sound like the "witchity witchity witchity" I'm used to hearing. Took a visual to confirm the ID, the picture is proof, but no good enough to share. 

Perfect gnome home... 

About half way up is a nice bench overlooking the river, plus a good place to sit and catch your breath,  plus a great view. 

I didn't take too many pictures on the rest of the way up, as I was fighting for breath and my heart was pounding too hard to hold the camera steady. 

The bridge from behind the snack shop...  

Built over 100 years ago still a very substantial bridge. 

The view from the top, 165 feet down, awesome. 

Hard to imagine such a magnificent place can average 1 jumper each summer. 

Stillwater complex near Groton

Drove about an hour north on I-91 to Orange County where a cluster of state parks line up along a string of lakes. Been seeing bird posts from the area and our Ranger Lisa used to be head honcho at Stillwater and had told us wonderful things. As summer employees we have free access to all state parks, makes it nice.

First stop was Ricker Pond SP, a smaller park with several sights right on the water and a tiny swim beach. My first breeding plumage loon and she had a chick swimming with her.

A New Hampshire couple was swimming; when I asked about the water temp, her reply was pretty warm for a New England lake.

Picked up a Veery for the VT list... Alvin was replacing bulb in left tail light for the blinker, he missed it and my camera was in the jeep. She was out in the open hungrily harvesting insects for a hungry brood, barely needed binos  to see.

A new butterfly, Northern Crescent, I think...

 




Next stop was Stillwater SP... usual suspects calling from the deep dark woods, Ovenbird, Woodthrush hidden but loud with Robin and Chipping Sparrow visible and also loud.

Butterfly heaven along the sandy beach at the boat launch area... Eastern tiger Swallowtail and White Admiral that I've been chasing around our park waiting for one to light long enough for a photo were slurping up whatever was tasty in the damp sand. Ranger Lisa said the current theory was kids peeing in the beach was the attraction.

I walked all around them and couldn't chase them away. This guy has had a rough life, just enough hind wing for the orange and blue to show up.

Two more Loon on Groton Lake at Stillwater, but too far away for a photo, plus they kept diving out of sight.

Lunch in a tiny little spot in Marshfield, Rainbow Sweets,  featuring only 6 entrees on the entire menu. Nothing fried, sauteed, or grilled. A Moroccan chicken, Argentine empanada, Greek Spanakopita, Brioche, B'stilla, and a full pastry case laden with baklava, tortes, and napoleons. His specialty dessert is  a Johnny Depp, two profiteroles filled with custard glazed with caramel and served with whipped cream. Yummo!!!! Bill, the owner is quite quirky describing his creations to every customer as if he was vying for an Oscar.

Back to the parks, New Discovery SP, the northern most of the string and the least busy. A long quiet drive down to Osmore Pond found us totally alone. The water was clear and filled with giant tadpoles...

Not sure I would want to swim with them... 

A mossy stump hosted a clump of White Admiral b'flies... don't know what was so tasty, but they were loving it!

This swallowtail offered a nice surprise when I enlarged the photo on the computer

No blue and orange on the under edge of the hind wing make him a Canadian Swallowtail!

This Atlantis Fritillary was a special find, too. 

Amazing what the camera reveals, thank goodness for digital!

 New Dragon for the list, too. Chalk-fronted Corporal...

I had no clue until I checked my pictures. 

Started to Owl's Head Mountain, for a spectacular aerial view of the entire valley. About a quarter of a mile from the parking area, up a fairly steep trail with several sets of steps carved by the CCC in the 1930's... looking for the observation tower

When a too close loud clap of thunder sent me skittering back to the jeep.

The rain started before we reached the highway and was a torrential downpour by the time we reached Groton,  6 miles away.

A handy gas station just before I-91 offered a canopy covered gas pump and a respite from the vertical flood.

Light rain followed us almost all the way and we arrived home just before the storm to put in the awning and batten down the hatches.

Silver Lake

Silver Lake SP on the agenda Saturday June 22... took rt 12 up to Barnard

Very busy day use beach plus camp ground and they only have one volunteer couple. Linda and Dale Kuhn, we met them when we had our fingerprints taken and they attended the same enforcement training at Lake Bomoseen. They work 30 hours each, while we work 30 hours total. He is a paid employee, so that's the difference.

Nice Red-eyed Vireo and a family of Chickadee near the concession. Lake was covered up with sun-worshipers, no chance for the loons or ducks. Bullfrogs croaking in the marsh.
Did photo a nice beaver lodge...

 Had seen a few from the highway, but this was the first photo op.


They really do chop down trees with their teeth!








We made a big circle up through Bethel where we had pizza at Cockadoodle, a pizza/ice cream shop combo with hardwood floors and a real old fashioned soda fountain. Bethel was established in 1779 and is famous for supplying the Bethel White Granite used to build Union Station in Washington DC and the National Museum of Natural History.


We came down through Royalton, South Royalton, East Barnard, and Pomfret, on a dirt road without meeting more than 2 other vehicles along the way. Crossed the Appalachian Trail at least twice, but not clearly marked from the road. Lots of bird sounds from the forest, but the only one we caught more than a fleeting glimpse of was a male Redstart.

Had a full moon hike into the gorge just after sunset... no moon, too cloudy, and the rain started just before we started back up the trail. I was pretty soaked by the time I reached home, but it was glorious. The first fireflies of the summer, too.

Birder's socks!

Couldn't resist these  adorable socks at the general store Calvin Coolidge National Historic Site in Plymouth Notch, VT. 

Red Eft

Found this little guy when we returned home today. The terrestrial form of Red-spotted Newt, they often are out and about during daylight, especially after a rain. 

2 More State Parks and Calvin Coolidge

In spite of the rain, we headed out early for Coolidge SP, very nice with a complete lean-to loop and a separate tent loop. Ovenbirds were calling loudly, as were Wood Thrush. At the picnic area near the summit we waited out a downpour. I walked over to the pavilion to check out the view. Even with the low lying clouds, quite breathtaking.
Easy to see why Ash is considered a prime lean-to site. Imagine waking up to this view!

Constructed by the CCC in 1933,  the shelters are comfortable and cozy.

 Calvin Coolidge was born in this house in Plymouth Notch VT on July 4, 1872. Only President born on Fourth of July.








 He moved into this house at age 4, his parents bought it for $360.

 He made this quilt when he was 10 years old.
His chores consisted of keeping the wood box filled and taking care of livestock.

When Warren G Harding died unexpectedly in 1923, Coolidge was sworn in by his father in the family sitting room at 2:47 AM August 2.







The presidential pew is marked by the flag in Union Christian Church.

The journey ends in this hillside cemetery holding 7 generations of Coolidge families.




After purchasing Venison Jerky and a tasty Vermont cheese from the Cheese Factory started by father John Coolidge, we opted for lunch at the Wilder Family restaurant. Alvin ate chili, definitely not Texas chili, but tasty. I had 1/2 grilled ham and cheese and chicken noodle soup, all home-made. Reasonably priced for a tourist spot.

We checked out the country store to find Moxie, a carbonated soft drink Coolidge favored and some really cool socks. Pictures to follow on these to items.

Next stop was Camp Plymouth SP, a place we could have chosen for our volunteer work this summer. Mostly a day use area at Echo Lake, they do have 4 cottages and 1 group camping area with lean-tos.
Birds there included Hairy Woodpecker, Eastern Kingbird, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Common Grackle, Robin, Wigeon, and Mallard. Ranger told us they pick up a 5 gallon bucket of  Canada Goose poop every day.

The drive back to Quechee was over the mountain to Route 106, very scenic with numerous moose crossing signs, but sadly no moose today. When we stopped to photo a covered bridge I found this marker...

The zebra at the top of the hill was totally unexpected.

Father's Day meander

Balloons didn't lift off this morning, too cloudy and windy. Glad we had such a beautiful day yesterday...

Treated ourselves to a Sunday drive for Father's Day. Took Route 12 down to Windsor, we try avoid the main highways for short trips, although the Interstate scenery is still great.

 Vermont became the 14th state with Windsor as the political capital.

Paradise Park is listed on Vermont E-bird as a hot spot location, but we didn't have any luck there. There's no parking space available near Lake Runnemede, but I did hear Canada Goose flying over.

My camera battery choose this occasion to die so no more conventional pictures.



A very congenial New Orleans native provided visitor information at the Welcome Center as the Amtrak stopped briefly at the railroad station. The Station has been closed for more than 10 years, but the train stops twice daily going to and from Washington DC.

The Precision Museum has free admission on Sunday and we took full advantage. A water powered machine shop  that produced rifles during the Civil War and later manufactured the machines that revolutionized mass production of guns, sewing machines, and other products; an engineer's paradise.
The outdoor interpretive area is still closed awaiting repairs from the devastation from Tropical Storm Irene in 2011.

Treated Alvin to Father's Day breakfast for lunch at Windsor Diner, a vintage classic, my favorite dining choice. Only complaint, $2 for a glass of iced tea, no refill, and charged me $2 for a to go cup.

Traveled on south Route 5 to Mt Ascutney State Park. As Vermont volunteers we get free admittance to all state parks.

Mt Ascutney is classified as a monadnock, not related geologically to the surrounding hills, but sharing a geologic history with the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The name is an Abenaki word meaning "mountain of the rocky summit".

3.7 mile road to summit parking lot gained 2,300'. Weather was closing in quickly, but the view was spectacular. Green Mountains stretched forever westward. Don't know how to take SD card out of this new phone yet, so pictures coming later. Rain caught us about half way down.

Best bird yet, Golden-winged Warbler... also added Slate-colored Junco to Vermont list. Could hear Cedar Waxwing and Wood Thrush.

Oh yes, a premier site for hang-gliding... maybe next visit.

Balloon Fest and Star Party

Enjoyed a day off before our star party by visiting Norwich farmers market. Route 5 is a meandering rural road through White River Junction and Wilder to Norwich. A side trip to river access in Wilder was quite an adventure with this one lane bridge presenting a conundrum.

Wouldn't want to drive this route every day...

Kilowatt Park on the Connecticut River is a pleasant little green space with river access and fishing. Northern Flicker was a new species for the list along with Cardinal.






The farmers market was a mishmash of fresh veggie, homemade jams and breads, potting plants, and crafts with a few food booths. A trio of local musicians provided entertainment with banjo, fiddle, guitar, and some clogging on a 2 ft square dance floor. We bought fresh radishes, haven't tasted any so good since I had my own vegetable garden.

Stopped by King Arthur Flour established in 1790, offering more kitchen gadgets and baking supplies than I ever knew existed. They also have a bakery cafe and a baking education center offering 1 - 3 day classes.  Smelled divine. We only browsed and sampled a quinoa salad.

Hot air balloons lifted off about 7 PM, passing right over the park.

Sounds like fire breathing dragon....

Set up the scope about 40 minutes before sunset and campers began to gather in anticipation. Had about 40 total before the end. Several kids showed lots of interest, too.

I spent the first 40 minutes waiting for dark showing the first quarter moon and explaining craters, maria, terminator, and answering questions.

As darkness increased we named the first stars to appear,

Saturn was actually the second "star" and undoubtedly was the star of the evening. Love those "OOHS" and "AAHS" when someone sees the ringed planet for the first time. Located Mizar and Alcor in the handle of the Big Dipper, observed satellites passing overhead, and traced constellations.

An added bonus was the paper balloons being launched from various locations looking like fiery Japanese lanterns.

We wrapped up about 10:30, tired but satisfied.

Balloon Fest weekend

Finally have a permanent work schedule...

Wednesday, we open the Visitor Center at the Gorge at 9 AM. At 11 AM  we move to the park office for another 2 hours.  Tough schedule so far.

Thursday is our longest day, 2 PM to 7 PM. We close with Dana, the assistant ranger.

Friday, we open the park office at 8 AM and work until 1 PM. We have 1 hour to add for star parties and additional programs.

We did a practice run with the telescope last night in prep for the Star Party tonight (Saturday). Took a while to align the spotting scope. Nothing to focus on except pine trees and they are all to close for the primary focus. Finally spotted the crescent moon in the bright blue sky, but enough of a target to aim for. We had several people wander by and I encouraged them to look at the moon and return tonight for the real deal. Met a very nice couple from Great Britain and several New Englanders, all fascinated with my scope.

Almost everyone asks what part of Vermont we are from, they seem to think we have an accent.

Our wake up call this morning resembled a fire breathing dragon with the first lift off of the hot air balloons from the Quechee Green. Our park is totally full with 4 campers in overflow parking. We even have a fifth wheel sharing our volunteer site. Yes, our site is that big!

Butterflies are increasing with the sunshine. Painted Lady new for my list plus Common Ringlet, my second but a first in Vermont...
Followed White Admiral from office to home, but when I went out with my camera couldn't locate it.

Lorax Day in the park, trees and fungi

Saturday was free park day in Vermont... we celebrated by having a Lorax Day based on the book by Dr. Seuss. My job was photographer. Kate did a craft activity, kids could make a Lorax face on an orange paper plate. One little girl didn't want her picture taken so I made Alvin hold it for her.

I chased this dragonfly and only managed one fuzzy photo before he disappeared over the treetops.  

Based on color and range map, I'm leaning toward Golden-winged Skimmer. Maybe I'll get a second chance.









Rachel conducted a tree walk, the last of the day for volunteers. Among the 9 different trees she taught us to ID, we found Lady Slippers, a rare New England orchid.

Three light pink-purple and 1 white...

I also managed to pick up a deer tick... at least we don't have chiggers here. 

I'm snapping photos of mushrooms and tree fungus, too... there are so many varieties. 

 

 

   

 

I'll hopefully ID them all by the end of our stint...