This afternoon we took a hike on another one of our favorite trails called "Oven's Mouth". This trail follows along Cross River. Again there wasn't much snow but parts of the trail were icy. Since Buddy didn't completely chew up my walking stick yesterday (see my prior post) I put it to good use today. These horses on a nearby farm always stop and check us out when we park the car. They seem to be used to comings and goings at the trail head.
This shot is looking from the trail towards the area where we live. We are "way up the river" towards the upper right hand side of the photo. We've kayaked from near where this trail is all the way to our home and actually past the house as this river flows into Wildcat Creek which surrounds part of our property. I cheated though, on that long trip as I got out and walked across the bridge and back home while Mark took the kayak with the rest of the group back to the starting point to get the car!
Mark mentioned that within another six weeks or so when we hike this trail we will definitely be doing it through mud. And then around May we should be seeing buds on all the trees and then we will start looking for ladyslippers the end of May. Oh, and of course swatting the blackflies and then mosquitoes....
And to make the day even nicer Ashton Anne was actually home to sit down and eat dinner with us. She has been working 40 hour weeks (mostly at night and weekends) at the nursing home and going to college full-time. Tonight she came home from work (she is on a winter break) and sat down in her finest evening attire and we had a nice family dinner of taco soup. Hmm....there appears to be a small black dog hovering near her.....
This afternoon we took a hike on another one of our favorite trails called "Oven's Mouth". This trail follows along Cross River. Again there wasn't much snow but parts of the trail were icy. Since Buddy didn't completely chew up my walking stick yesterday (see my prior post) I put it to good use today. These horses on a nearby farm always stop and check us out when we park the car. They seem to be used to comings and goings at the trail head.
This shot is looking from the trail towards the area where we live. We are "way up the river" towards the upper right hand side of the photo. We've kayaked from near where this trail is all the way to our home and actually past the house as this river flows into Wildcat Creek which surrounds part of our property. I cheated though, on that long trip as I got out and walked across the bridge and back home while Mark took the kayak with the rest of the group back to the starting point to get the car!
Mark mentioned that within another six weeks or so when we hike this trail we will definitely be doing it through mud. And then around May we should be seeing buds on all the trees and then we will start looking for ladyslippers the end of May. Oh, and of course swatting the blackflies and then mosquitoes....
And to make the day even nicer Ashton Anne was actually home to sit down and eat dinner with us. She has been working 40 hour weeks (mostly at night and weekends) at the nursing home and going to college full-time. Tonight she came home from work (she is on a winter break) and sat down in her finest evening attire and we had a nice family dinner of taco soup. Hmm....there appears to be a small black dog hovering near her.....
24 comments:
You have a lovely family.
We still have lots of snow here. I went to a park for a walk today and my car got stuck in the snow. I tried for an hour but I just couldn't get out. I said a prayer and when I finished a mother and her adult daughter came and helped free my car. They were very nice and even had a black dog with them. Of course I thought of You and Ashton. :)
I like these pictures too and the trail with the wooden path looks just like one around here.
I hope you all have a great rest of the week.
That second photos is breath-taking! I wish I could have joined you on that hike! :-)
I love how you always seem to seize the day....love your photos and I enjoy taking walks with you to these wonderful scenic places.
.......:-) Hugs
How long does it take to kayake from the trail to your home? That's really cool and a very good workout :) It's nice to hop into a boat and go up and down the river. Must be really relaxing listening to nothing but the nature around you.
A lovely snapshot of your life. You appear to be quite isolated, but you obviously find a lot to do and enjoy life to the full.
mud is coming and spring. nice to have your dg home.
Nice photos.
I enjoyed this post.
I"m enjoying the snow while it's still here, but am still anxious for spring walks and thunderstorms!
lovely shot!
Beautiful pictures, Cheryl! The horses are so cute!
I bet it was nice to have a family dinner. I'm wondering if Buddy got anything. :)
I still go all bagonza (if there is such a word) when I see what it looks like where you live. Wow. Just wow.
Very nice family and I love the relaxed atmosphere at your dinner table.
I really like your picture of the river. The reflections in the water, the clouds and the tree in the foreground all combine to make a wonderful picture. I'm glad Ashton could join you for dinner.
ah yes, the black flies....
Spring is already here this year in Seattle. Sure hope winter doesn't return now.
Hi Cheryl, you sure where you live the place is not named, Shangrila', or 'Heaven'?.....
Holy Smoke! Your well taken photographs certainly shows Nirvana does exist!
Looking at your beautiful pics of lakes and rivers, (previous posting) I can imagine the silence is deafening.
As well maybe hear the haunting calls of loons?
I guess you, hubby and family can't spell the word 'stress' or 'tension'....ha ha.
You have a pleasant week Cheryl, and keep a song in your heart, Lee.
Looks like a gorgeous place to hike---whether it's icy or muddy or whatever... I would love it!!!!
Glad you had your busy little gal at home for a meal!!!! Wonder where all of that energy comes from????? Tell her to send me some of it... ha
Hugs,
Betsy
Great dinner. It looks mor elike summer then winter with the T shirt and Polo shirt.
Do you have a heat pump?
Nice your daughter was able to be home and eat dinner with you and hubby, plus Buddy the dog.
Thanks for the prayers for my niece. Talked with her earlier today, she's doing great.
wow..that second shot took my breath away! u stayed near to this beautiful scenery, cheryl? so awesome.. i can bask in this serene atmosphere all day long.. hmmmm...
your Ashton is a nurse? well, my girl is interested in nursing too, tot of sending her to UK for training next time.. :)
Ha ha, the little black dog can't wait for his share of the meal!
Linda: Thank you very much!
James: Yikes, too bad about getting your car stuck! Welcome to winter, seems as if your area has been hit hard this year. Carry a bag of kitty litter and a small shovel in your trunk in case you get stuck again, the kitty litter will provide traction under the wheels! You can also use your floor mats as well!
Samantha Clarke Photography: Glad you enjoyed the walk with me!
Bernie: Life is too short to be cooped up inside, so I try to get out and enjoy whenever I can!
Rose Belle: I can't remember how long that kayak trip took, it seemed forever since we were going against the tide one way! We usually go several miles along the coastline or shore of a river when we kayak.
Rinkly Rimes: We live on a peninsula and are about an hour from Maine's biggest city. We can always find lots to do around us!
Lin Floyd: Mud is showing up here and there already! We have been blessed with temps in the 40s these past few days-heat wave!
Abe Lincoln: Glad you enjoyed.
Wanda: I am somewhat glad that the snow is going but then again I do enjoy snowshoeing in the quiet woods. Guess I will have to get used to bare ground!
Wenn: Thanks!
Lucy the Cat: Thanks! The Budster didn't get anything from the meal..it was taco soup filled with different kinds of beans, corn and seasonings! He usually does manage to get a "morsel or two" from Mark though!
TechnoBabe: I like that word "bagonza", it sounds just like something I would come up with. We live right on the coast of Maine in a small town of about 3000 residents. However in the summer it becomes a tourist attraction as there are many summer colonies here. Its a big boating area as well. My boats aren't very big, just a canoe and a kayak!! No yachts for me!
George: Glad you liked the photos. And it was great to have Ashton actually sit down and have a meal with us!
Gary's third pottery blog: The black flies are like something out of a horror movie I swear! Buddy has his own personal natural bug spray, he is small enough that some of the big black flies and super-sized mosquitoes could pick him up and carry him away!!!
Linda Reeder: We have had several days this week where the temps have been close to 40. Everyone talks about how "its almost like spring" here, the sky is a softer blue...but I won't hold my breath waiting just yet for spring!
Uncle Lee: Yes, I believe I do live in a "heaven on earth" place! Pleased that you enjoy my photos. Have a nice week!
Betsy from Tennessee: I too would love to have some of Ashton's energy, was I ever that age once upon a time??
Ann: We have a oil fired furnace to keep us nice and warm throughout the winter. We like it cool though, we keep it set at 62 degrees.
Patty: I am grateful that Ashton spends "some time" with her mom and stepdad! Its far and few between times though but such is the life of an 18 year old!
reanaclaire: I am so very lucky to live in an area that is not heavily populated, the town is six miles away from here. We do live on the main route to the town though so we see plenty of traffic! We have a very large lawn so alot of privacy. That is great your girl would like to become a nurse. Ashton first took a Certified Nurses Aide course when she was 16 and that gave her the decision to go on to become a Registered Nurse. She is in her first year of college for nursing, but has three more years to go before she can become one.
Pete: Oh yes, the dog seems to hover around the table, even though I do not allow it! My husband seems to have a big soft spot for the dog so Buddy is very spoiled!
isn't it nice to have one of your kiddos home for dinner...
Its so much fun to see all the hearts you're finding in nature.
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