October 18, 2017

It was 65°F, clear and calm at 2:00 PM on October 18, 2017.
This week's trail report covers the Wappinger Creek Trail side of the trail system.
The air was cool, the sun was warm, fall colors were lacking.
Next week will be the last trail report of the season with the grounds closing the following week.

It felt like fall, it smelled like fall, but it still didn't look much like fall at the front Old Hayfield by Gifford House.
One single spotted knappweed was at the head of the Sedge Meadow Trail and a bee had found it.
A mourning dove or two passed overhead.
A few puffballs were underfoot.
In between, juniper berries were abundant.
Where the path becomes a tunnel, the burning bush was getting some color.
The boardwalk below was now covered with fallen leaves.
Low, afternoon sun lit up a branch of another burning bush.
Although it was October, mayflies were rising and falling in clouds.
In the back Old Hayfield, a lone violet was blooming.
Across on the other side was about the best color around so far.
In the field itself, common milkweed was releasing its flying seeds.
Even if there wasn't much color, the view from the bluff over the Wappinger Creek was still nice.
Ironwood is known by several names including musclewood because of its rippling bark.
Its odd fruit was drying on the branches.
Down in the flood plain, Japanese barberry was taking on a little color.
A favorite view from the bench at the "Appendix" was muted. See how it looks next week.
Next week: the Cary Pines Trail side of the trail system.

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