Tuesday, still dogless, I traveled 25 miles southeast of Alma to hike the
White Pine Trail, located off Buchanan Rd in the Gratiot-Saginaw State Game Area. The early afternoon weather was partly sunny with a temperature of 77 degrees and no wind. Leaving the car, I followed a wide
earthen trail south through a dense forest of broadleaves and pines where I noticed a Red Oak
leaf on the ground cupping a pool of water which reminded me of the much needed rain that fell last night. Also, I barely spotted a triangular shaped Deadwood Borer
moth camouflaged in the leaf litter. As the sun broke through, I approached a small
glade where I found a couple of tiny Long-legged flies feeding on the nectar of a
Knapweed blossom while nearby in a shady area I noticed a patch of ripe
Dewberry. Continuing south, the path took me to the edge of a large, dried up
wetland where I paused to scan the landscape and listen to the insect chorus. Nearby, I noticed a
Buttonbush was starting to bare fruit. As I turned around and began to retrace my steps, a few colorful
Sugar Maple leaves caught my eye as they signaled a new season to come. While continuing to hike back, I enjoyed the
lush scenery and the Cicada choir. Along the way, I spotted some colorful mushrooms, including
Yellow Wax Cap,
Red Chanterelle and
Wood. Finally, I found the
car and headed for home.
Wildlife wonders
Geese in a flock
Turtles on logs
Lichens on rock
Chicory blue
Wild carrot white
Cawing Crows
Black as night
Meadow aroma
White sweet clover
Celebrating nature
Summer’s not over
D. DeGraaf
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