June 16

Saturday was a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. The noontime weather was sunny, humid with a temperature of 82 degrees and a gentle south wind. I stood at the crest of the hill and looked fondly at the western landscape. I descended the hill; passed Mallard Marsh and continued through Bobolink Meadow where I spotted a male Bobolink perched on a low bush singing loudly. Since, this bird has been seen in the same area several days in a row, I am hoping it’s staying around to guard a nest. Further along, I noticed some Common Buttercup. This plant typically causes irritation and blistering of the skin if handled, and if swallowed, intense burning of the mouth and digestive tract, followed by nausea and convulsions. I turned at the entrance to North Woods and headed toward Willow Wallow where I saw that an Elderberry Tree was blossoming. These flowers are popular in teas and cordials because their balmy flavor lends itself to sweetened beverages. I turned west at the pond and hiked around Succession Field where I noticed a patch of Field Clover. Continuing along the edge of South Woods, I was pleased to see a Monarch caterpillar feeding on a milkweed. I arrived at Artist Overlook where I saw a few Yarrow blossoms. Continuing along south trail, I was reminded of the surprise I had earlier in the week to see my first Skunk walking casually about 30 feet in front of me. Next, I was surprised to see the snapdragon-like flower of Butter-and-Eggs. I turned at Frog Fen and headed toward Brady Cemetery. Passing the cemetery, I entered Native Grassland where I spotted a patch of Alfalfa. Alfalfa seeds, leaves and stems have manganese, vital to the human digestive system in its manufacture of insulin. Alfalfa juice is very effective in the treatment of heart diseases. It is useful in respiratory disorders. Daily use of the seeds helps build immunity to stomach distress. The seeds are useful in the form of sprouts. They are delicious and nourishing in salads and soups as well as in sandwiches. Next, I stopped at Grebe Pond to see a few swallows swooping just above the surface to catch insects. Heading north, I passed the barn and wandered over to the east side of the parking lot to see lots of Wood Sorrel. The leaves, flowers, and immature green seedpods of this plant are all edible, with a sour, lemon like flavor. A chilled, sweetened, wood sorrel tea makes a refreshing beverage along the lines of lemonade. Finally, we arrived back at the van and took off for home.

It was a lovely day

I found myself in nature’s lap

Surrounded by the 5 elements of nature

There was the blue sky above me

There was the chilled river on one side

There was a small camp fire lit on the other side

There was the vast earth below me

And a cool breeze was blowing from all sides

As if nature was protecting me

I had become the nature’s child

There was no perturbing noise to distract the tranquility

I felt I had become one among the nature

My whole soul was at peace

Free of all stresses of the human life

Oh what a lovely expedition it was….

Kavitha Krishnamurthy