More spring

A couple weeks ago we saw pink ladyslipper orchids in Connecticut.  This week they're in bloom in New Hampshire !  Along with lots of other flowers of the woods and field.

I don't think ferns really have a "flower" but the brown parts are, I believe, trying to do something reproductive.

The green moss on the path made me think of Bilbo Baggins.  "The Road Goes Ever On," etc.

I now know that this is a juvenile Eastern Newt, and that these juveniles are called "Red Efts."  Eft is defnitely a great new scrabble word.

Some of our favorite flowers are those that will result in fruit, some weeks later.  The blueberries,

and the wild strawberries.

There was a lot of water from the recent rains.

: )

Late Spring - New England shore

Last weekend we went for a great walk with our friends Jeff and Linda in Stony Creek, a part of Branford Connecticut near the shore of the Long Island Sound.  We started by a pond that emptied into a rushing stream (it might not have been in such a hurry except for the several pouring rains we have had this spring).  From there we started scrambling up boulders.  The dog got an assist (hauled up by the collar) but I preferred to manage the top without help.

As I got to the top of the boulders, behind the others. I heard gasps of amazement.  I wasn't sure what to expect.  But it was a gorgeous stand of Pink Ladyslipper Orchids, placed by Nature to reward the intrepid.

From there, we enjoyed an hour of more common spring woods hiking in New England, the flowers and leaves still showing their early color.

Some kind of blight (animal? vegetable?) was also showing its enthusiastic early color.  But only in one spot; the woods seemed healthy and well.

From the woods path, we reached the marshland towards the Sound. From boulders to woodland to bright sunny marsh, we walked through a remarkable diversity of landscape considering the small patch of land in the middle of coastal Connecticut.

The osprey were feeding their chicks in the nest by the marsh, soaring into action when an invader threatened and had to be driven away.

A wonderful and beautiful hike with friends! Then ...

off for omelettes and toast at the Stony Creek Market !!