October 26, 2016

Notes and Changes since last report

• It was 44°F, clear and breezy at 1:30 PM on October 26, 2016.
• This week's trail report covers the Wappinger Creek Trail side of the trail system.
• Recent rains dropped a lot of the leaves, but it's still nice out.
• Note: Monday Oct. 31 is the last day the grounds will be open this season. They open again April 1.

The Trails

• The oaks at the Gifford trail head had lost a lot of color since last week.
• Across the front Old Hayfield, the trees were bare and the goldenrods brown.
• The boardwalk along the Sedge Meadow is always a reference point through the seasons.
• In the Sedge Meadow itself, cinnamon fern had all but disappeared.
• Multiflora rose hips were still providing color.
• And back lit goldenrods provided texture.
• Color lingered in a couple oaks in the back Old Hayfield.
• In the back, several tall, bare trees struck me as stately.
• From the entrance to the Old Pasture, the bench was just visible ahead.
• This would be a good day to move it out of the shade and into the sun.
• The view from the bluff over the Wappinger Creek is always a favorite.
• Fallen oak leaves made the descent to the creek slippery.
• As if a safe arrival weren't enough, a little oak still red was like a prize at the bottom.
• A sycamore leaf sailed in and out of the sun on its way downstream.
• I almost forgot to check the fungus tree.
• Yup, it was still going strong.
• Looking back two weeks ago, we see something just a littler fresher.
• On the other side of the path was that other one.
• Again, showing a little wear and tear since two weeks ago.
• At the "Appendix", (Trail Marker 10) it was early enough to catch the little beech all lit up.
• Zooming in on movement in the snag below revealed reflections off the water.
• Next Trail Report will be in April...