This past Sunday, Doug, Chelsea and I went out to hike near the reservoir. We live near the reservoir. Chelsea loves to hike. I felt like meandering. We chose to hike Big Oaks trail. It is named for this big oak. There is a bench nearby if you just want to sit and consider this big oak.
When we reached this point on the trail Doug said "which way?" I said "let Chelsea pick." She went to the right. The trail winds around in a loop. We actually went off trail- which is easy to do in the fall when it is easier to see through the trees. It is hard to get lost when you can see the lake.
I gathered leaves and small geodes that are brain-like in appearance. It kills me that some people actually pay for geodes. They are everywhere. We wander areas around the lake that I call "geode gardens." We put geodes in and around our gardens and on our deck. When they are cracked open they are sparkling with crystals on the inside. We live on the limestone belt. There are rocks and fossils everywhere. I paused to gather some crinoid stems. They are fascinating and prolific along the lake shore. Doug told me he used to have a jar filled with them. I've always been kind of geeky and love finding fossils and looking at layers in rocks.
I also found a downed pine tree and wished for a bag to gather pine cones. Pine cones are excellent in the fire- they pop and put off a delicious fragrance. But we didn't have a bag or a back pack. (Note to self for the next time we hike this area.) By the time we returned to Doug's truck, my pockets (and his), were filled with various sizes of geodes. I had a pocket containing crinoid stems and my hands were filled with leaves ranging from pale yellow to orange, red and rich brown. Nature's bounty.
We wandered through this grove of pines...it seems at one point a road must have been cut through...now a lovely wandering path.
11 comments:
Wow...stunning views! So beautiful! I loved your previous pic too. Just saw that!
You're killing me! You know that right? Gorgeous!
I know that lovely area well as our older son is an I.U. graduate. Thanks for the memories.
Best,
Bonnie
What a grand old tree! Geodes are like little gifts, you never know what you will find inside.
Gorgeous. Makes me want to make time for a weekend getaway. You live in one of my favorite parts of the state and I haven't been down there for over 5 years. sad isn't it?
I love those photos - my favorite was the last one. Gorgeous. sandie
lovely...what a magnificent tree...i love old trees....how cool to find the geodes as well...i would love to find fossils as well...thanks for taking us along...
What a wonderful way to spend a day. I used to be able to explore the wilderness like that. Can't anymore 'cause of my bad knees and legs. It is what it is. I have collected rocks since I was a little girl. Geodes are so magical. I'm glad you stuffed as many as you could into pockets to take with you. They'll be delightful scattered around the house. Of course I would have sobbed at leaving the pinecones behind. They smell intoxicating in a roaring fire, like you said. Your photos were terrific. I can see myself standing in each and every one. Take care.
That is just breathtaking! I've never been much of a hiker but love of the beauty of nature is pulling me that way lately.
What beautiful photos. I love the idea of pondering it all amidst such beauty. How lucky you are to have that to hike in.
Wow, what a lovely area! Love that picture of the lake!!!
Post a Comment