Saturday would have been a good day at Forest Hill for a
hike with my dog, Remi. However, I was
traveling to our rental cottage on
Beaver Island and Remi was at the kennel in Alma. So, I waited until Sunday and
planned a beach walk south from our place. The early morning weather was sunny
with a temperature of 60 degrees and a slight southerly breeze. Starting out, I
was pleased to listen to
waves gently lapping on the shore. Soon, I start
spotting blossoms in the foredune including
Huron Tansy and
Yarrow. Also, I
noticed that most of the blossoms of
Bladder Campion were closed already since
they open at night. Suddenly, I noticed a tiny
toad hopping along the
beach as its color blended perfectly with the sand (can you find it?). Continuing south, I saw
Silverweed and
Evening Primrose blossoms while nearly stepping on a gull
carcass. Up on the bank below one of the cottages, I observed a patch of the
invasive
Crown Vetch. Nearby were some
deer tracks along with a
deer carcass. Looking
up, I paused to watch a solitary gull flying south. Following the foredune
again, I spotted a clump of Marsh
Bedstraw and lovely
Forget-me-nots. Nearing
my turn-around point, I noticed a few clumps of
Stonecrop. As I turned around and
headed back, I spotted a single
Swamp Thistle plant. Also, I noticed a tiny
Ladybird Beetle. Suddenly, a few feet in front of me, a three-foot
Water Snake
began crawling quickly toward cover. Next, I saw some
Beach Pea and
Heal All
blossoms. Approaching my destination, I admired a gull
feather lying on the sand
surrounded by plenty of
Zebra Mussel shells. Finally, I made it back to our
cottage just in time for morning coffee.
Mother Nature joins me today
On a beautiful island far away
Walking barefoot on the sand
Hearing waves as they land
Seagulls searching for a meal
Gentle breeze is good to feel
Colorful rocks catch my eye
A few butterflies flutter by
Driftwood scattered about
Flowers spotted throughout
Deer tracks on the ground
Mussel shells are all around
Love to walk along the shore
Much to observe and explore
D. DeGraaf
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