Skipper and Lace

 “Learn to appreciate small quiet moments, the ocean, a walk on the beach, time alone, your health, your strength, your smile, your life.” 

Germany Kent

I always try to do this, but find myself able to appreciate the

"little things" even more since my retirement.

Trees Give Peace

 “Trees give peace to the souls of men.” 

 ― Nora Waln

Seen along the New River Trail during one of our rides earlier this summer. 

Hethwood Walk - Monday, September 16, 2024

 Leaves are starting to fall

    

You can see how dry everything is - we really need the rain.

A pretty gazebo along the path.

Our walk was again 1.6 miles and we observed the following:

a hummingbird - which is quite late for us

Bluejays, goldfinches, squirrel, ducks (you can see them in the gazebo pic) 2 snapping turtles.

At our coffee spot we saw the groundhog again and several crows

Deerfield Walk - Sunday, September 15, 2024

 After Church, we walked along Deerfield Trail.

We've been walking along this trail since for many many years and have named

these trees the "Dancing" Trees.

This creek along Deerfield Trail is very low and we need rain badly.

There is a tropical storm brewing and we are supposed to get a few inches over the next several days. 

Today we walked 1.5 miles

We saw 2 brown thrashers, a blue jay, and heard a cardinal and many other birds. 

Bike Ride - Saturday - September 14, 2024

A view from our bike ride today along the New River Trail 

 

Today, Saturday, September 14, 2024

we rode our bikes along the New River Trail in Pulaski, Virginia.

Today's ride was from Dora Junction to the Draper Mercantile and back.

8.2 miles

We saw 2 deer along the trail, many birds and a monarch butterfly along with many other butterflies. 

A recap of our rides so far in September:

Tuesday September 3, 2024 - 8.2 miles - Dora to Draper and back

Saturday, September 7, 2024 - 16.5 miles - Hiwassee to Lone Ash and back

Monday, September 9, 2024 - 8.2 miles Dora to Draper and back

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 - 8.2 miles Draper to Hiwassee and back

Totals so far for September - 49.3 miles ridden.

Friday - September 13, 2024

 It was a cloudy day for our walk.

We saw a few snapping turtles again but only 1 duck and

no geese today.  Several squirrels and a chipmunk.

There was a lot of Blue Jay activity and we saw a Catbird and

another Hummingbird.  The Hummingbirds should be 

heading out soon.

The goldenrod is blooming so prettily.  When 

I got closer I saw this lovely patterned Locust Borer Beetle.

This Bald-faced Hornet was

another cool find on our walk.

The "Squiggly" drew me to this vine which I have identified as a Wild Grape Vine also known as riverbank grape or frost grape.

It was another great walk of 1.6 miles and a wonderful way to spend the morning.

Give Us Pleasure in the Flowers Today

 "Oh, give us pleasure in the flowers 

in the flowers today; 

And give us not to think so far away..." 

- Robert Frost

Common Buckeye Butterfly on Coneflower