A play date with brothers John and Joe in which we drove over to one of their favorite spots on North Mountain and hiked around on May 22, 2014
A PERFECT DAY
It was a beautiful day for savoring the great outdoors. Before we reached the first trail head, John spied a turtle in the road and just had to get out and pick it up. This animal attraction must run in the family because Camille is wired the same way. When she sees an animal, she wants to hold it in her hand.
FIRST AND SECOND STOPS
We went walking on four different trails. The first one was dense and rocky. The second was an old quarry.
THE BEST DAY
Seriously, it doesn’t take much to entertain us. Just being outside with each other and having an excuse to walk around and pick things up was enough to make this the best day ever.
A LITTLE ADVENTURE
Joe felt compelled to scale the fence and climb a tower for a better view of the valley down below.
A TRAIL WITH A VIEW
We looked down at the 21,000 acre Letterkenny Army Depot and did our best to think peaceful thoughts.
HERE WE GO AGAIN
Camille found a toad in the grass and wouldn’t you know it, John had to pick it up.
DITTO
And so did Joe.
BAD LUCK
John thought it would be funny if Camille put an arrow through her head and looked sad about it. And you know, it was funny.
FALSE ADVERTISING
The last trail we took promised to end in a scenic overlook but what it really did was reach further into the forest. But it was pretty nevertheless.
FRACTAL FERNS AND BUG REPELLENT
Bob was drawn to the fractal pattern in these ferns. John encouraged Camille to wear a pine branch, a practice rumored to dissuade flies.
PORCUPINES AND SASSAFRAS
No one saw a porcupine but there was plenty of evidence of them chowing on pine bark. Had we seen one, it would have been interesting to see John try to pick it up. Bob went on a hunt for sassafras and found a couple of little seedlings just begging to come home with us.