Monday, September 17, 2012

Late Summer in the Meadow

(With apologies to Rogers and Hammerstein!)

There's a bright golden haze on the meadow,
There's a bright golden haze on the meadow,
The corn thistle fuzz is as high as an elephant's eye,
An' it looks like its climbin' clear up to the sky.


Chorus:
Oh what a beautiful morning afternoon
Oh what a beautiful day,
I've got a wonderful feeling,
Everything's going my way.


There is a beautiful meadow just five minutes from my doorstep - Moore's Meadow - a long gouge in the landscape, ringed round with a high ridge and laced with trails. A glacial kettle, this city park is home to wildlife and is the joy of walkers, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers.


Recently, we spent a glorious late summer afternoon circling the meadow on a high ridge to the north and descending to the meadow floor to enjoy the warmth of the sun and the incredible scenery.






We live in bear country, though - black bears, mostly - and spring and fall are the best for bear spotting (or bear caution, depending on one's state of mind).  We did spot some bear scat on the trail - enough for me to want to wait until winter to enjoy the park again.

Living in a small city has its drawbacks, but having this treasure so close goes a long way to make up for many of them. And the long path up from the meadow floor makes this a contender for the most scenic exercise equipment!






8 comments:

Judie said...

ChrisJ, the marshes give me that same feeling as your meadow. AND they change color with the seasons. When I lived in Tucson, I felt that way about the mountains, but I would have daydreams about the marsh and the woodlands of the Georgia coast. Hmmm--I may just post photo of the yellow morning sun on the Spanish moss!!

ChrisJ said...

Judie,

I'm looking forward to that photo - hope you do it.

I don't know much about Georgia, although my cousin lives in Vidalia.

Unknown said...

ChrisJ,
Our thistles have kind of fizzled this year. In fact many of our wild file died with the lack of rain here this summer, sadly. But thankfully not mine! I water a small wildflower garden in my yard and I have an abundance of many!

ChrisJ said...

Christi,

This has been a very odd year for weather, everywhere I think.

Pearl said...

wonderful to be able to root around the woods. it does much for body and spirit.

ChrisJ said...

Pearl,

It is very nice - and nice to have it so close (bears and all!).

Hels said...

You are fit and healthy, it would seem :) I love it when literary and arty people get into physical exercise, as well as the more cerebral disciplines. Plus great photos!

ChrisJ said...

Hels,

I'm working on it, but, truth is, I'd rather sit and read. Necessity dictates, so try and make it fun.