October 5

Saturday would have been a good day at Forest Hill for a hike with my dog, Remi. Instead, we hiked in Lumberjack Park along the Pine River in western Gratiot County near Riverdale. The midmorning weather was rainy with a temperature of 63 degrees and no wind. I followed the trail into a wooded camping area where the dense canopy was dominated by Sugar and Red Maple and the understory was dominated by Witch Hazel and Hickory. Approaching the river, I saw some red fruit of Winterberry. I paused at the riverbank where I noticed the river level was high and the current was strong. Continuing on the trail away from the river, I could hear the steady rain penetrating the canopy and could see fresh mushrooms growing on the damp forest floor. Also, I spotted a patch of Wild Ginger growing in the leaf litter. On the wet ground, I saw a mixture of Sugar maple leaves and White Pine needles. Returning to the riverbank, I was fascinated by the seedpods hanging from a Golden Rain Tree that looked like Chinese Lanterns. Turning around, I retraced my steps through the woods where I saw a mixture of lichens on a Red Maple tree trunk and some Pileated Woodpecker holes on a Black Cherry trunk. Also, I spotted a single, scraggly, White Cedar tree growing in the dense understory. Nearing the end of the hike, I looked carefully at the ground where I saw a patch of Partridge Berry. Finally, we made it back to the car to dry out and leave for home.

In the course of life, made it my quest
To experience nature at her worst and best
Putrid smell of carcass hidden in the grass
Sweet scent of blossoms in a meadow I pass
In sunny sky so blue, a white, fluffy cloud
In a coming storm, clap of thunder so loud
In a forest of winter, stark, leafless trees
Woods in autumn, many colors to please
No matter the season, no matter the scene
Both extremes and everything in between

D. DeGraaf