March Wanderings

I got out a couple of times over the past weekend. It was a quite pleasant time to venture out. Saturday I was comfortable with a light coat. Sunday I left the coat in the vehicle and was just fine with a flannel shirt.

Both days, as is normal for me, I ended up hiking along or near the river. The water at present is very clear and made me begin thinking of fishing and kayaking.

I walked for about a mile through grassland and wooded areas before coming to the river on Saturday.

The area upstream and across the river is known as Windfall Prairie. It is one of the few remaining natural patches of prairie land, that has continued on without the need of restoration. It is on a steep southwest facing bank of the river. I spent some time just relaxing on the river bank here in the sun; before continueing on.

Just an unusual tree root formation that caught my attention.

Sunday found me at a different location. I had fun checking out this old abandoned railroad trestle. Not sure of it's age, but the steel connections are all riveted; a method of fastening that has not been commonly used for quite some time. The stone foundations also show considerable wear.

 Emma and I relaxed here for a bit, enjoying the view; and had a couple of snacks. I also had a cup of hot tea before moving on.

Horsetail reeds. These have a coarse suface like sandpaper and can be used as an abrasive to smooth wood or to scour and clean. I believe there may be medicinal uses also that I have read about, but those uses will not come to me at present.

I came across these hardy new plants along the river bank. I do not know what they are, but they add a bit of color to the drab March landscape.

Of couse plenty of beaver activity along here.
I think this is Sassafrass.

I found this small tree that the beavers apparently had cut recently. Sap is rising from it, which has attracted flies and other insects. The flies and insects would not be here yet in a normal winter, but this winter has been unusually warm.

And as is very common, you come across the remains of the local wildlife residents.

This is the first time I have ever found a dead mole on my hikes that I can recall

An old turtle shell.

Very common find..........deer bones.

Coming down into a ravine, I came upon a Turkey Vulture feeding on this Opossum carcass. Quite graphic I realize, but a very natural part of nature.

And in conclusion a nice view above the river...another spot where I relaxed for a bit.

Catch you next time..............