A Visit to the Highlands

Finally, a beautiful spring day in Rochester, NY.  Ginger, the photogenic Bichon Poo, indicated that a W-A-L-K would be the proper course of action.  In fact, she was even willing to take another abhorrent ride in the automobile to get to Highland Park, a most wonderful walking spot.

 

Do not be confused by this single malt.

From May 11th through 20th, the park is the site of the  Rochester Lilac Festival, which is celebrating its 120th anniversary.  To miss this gathering would be an onerous olfactory oversight, and and an objectionable omission by not honoring Olmsted. 

What?  Not familiar with Frederick Law Olmsted?  He is to American Landscape Design what Steve Gadd is to session drumming.  Mr. Olmsted designed New York City's Central park, and a number of parks in Rochester, but his crowning jewel is Highland.  If this is not completely true for the wonderful walkways through the unusual terrain, a stroll through the fragrance of the lilacs leaves no doubt.

But not yet.  The long hard winter has delayed that splendid experience somewhat.  Probably more than last year.  Nonetheless, a visit is always worthwhile, any time of year. "And particularly as a warmup to the festival," added Ginger.

Blue Star Creepers, larger than life.

Magnificent magnolias.

Yes, Kathy T., at times, the sky actually is blue in Rochester.

A few of the magnolias were in full bloom.

Most still had a way to go.

Just need a few more sunny days,
which have been in short supply recently.

But the forsythia doesn't seem to mind.

The pansy bed was not completely filled out.

But even so, the geometric design was apparent.

These two-tone daffodils are somewhat reminiscent
of the logo of a local company,
prominent in bygone days. 

Crinkly daffodils!

Alpine asters (?)
in the form of the Moosehead constellation.

Fivesythias.

More blue sky silhouettes a pair of trees.
The one on the left is one of Jennifer's Conifers.

There may be reasons to avoid sitting on this bench,
but absolutely none occur to me.

Notsythias.

Not ready-dendron.

This delicate blossom of a flowering tree looked as if a puff of wind would destroy it.

If you whistle, mimicking its call,
the Cardinal will often call back,
unlike contractors.

Tulip beds still sleeping.

Public service announcement for the elderly:
Public restrooms reside in the Conservatory beyond.

Andromeda, another constellation of flowers.

The south view to the Bristol Hills is available any time of year.

City skyline to the north is best when foliage is not in place.

The past winter makes one wonder about Willy's sanity.

Gnarly trees and blue star creepers.

Ginger approves!

This is one of many great places to rest
after a long morning walk.
But don't take her bark for it.
Go see for yourself!

Three April Days in the Woods, 2018

THURSDAY

Thursday, April 19.
Enough already.

FRIDAY

Much better.  Getting warmer, 
but still enough snow for skiing in the woods.

Making tracks up the hill across the road from our camp.
This landmark is "Chaz Rock."
At the age of 13, he leapt from the top
into the pile of snow below.
It's higher than it looks.

More tracks.
Someone has been using the trail.

The ski tips indicate another turkey will soon follow.

The feather caught in the crotch of a twig
draws attention as it flutters in the wind.

No turkey, this one.

Same trail, different traveller.  Perhaps a raccoon.

Looking back down the hill,
sidestepping ski tracks show the route.

The north side of the ridge holds its snow longer.
It's great to be in the woods when all the leaves are down
because the lay of the land becomes much more apparent.

Soon to be replaced with a new crop.

But no new leaves until these dripsicles are completely gone.

Looks like a squirrel was here first.

Looking down from the ridgetop to the bend in the stream.

Don't step past the first big rock.
The second one is more than 100 feet below.

A bolder man might wake boulder man,
but I let him slumber.

Could it be that the Olmecs once pushed this far north?

Be careful to pick your line so that you stay on the snow.
Easier said than done.
With a bit of melt atop an icy base,
it was treacherously fast coming downhill.
One hard fall taught respect for the conditions.

Discovered near the house,
the tracks of a rare Boreal Bichon Poo.
How exciting!

OK, can we put this stuff away?

SATURDAY

Better still.
It did not snow!
The sun was actually visible!

Everyone enjoyed the warmer weather.

Including the Wood Ducks.
You'd think the male was a garish painted decoy
if not for his movement.

And the mallards.
Best to observe the mallards in the sun.

The illumination highlights their iridescent green.

And the Mergansers.

The warmth of the sun is wonderful, even if you're having a really bad hair day.

The sun is also great for paddling.
Note Mary's expert technique at hanging cellophane from her paddle,
her compliance with State Law in wearing her life preserver prior to May 1,
and the rock face beyond the pines.
She's looking up at the previous day's vantage for looking down.

This fabulous 3000 sq. ft. custom home, set on 14 private acres at the end of Stewarts Landing Road,
features 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, and a 4-car garage with radiant heat.
Yours for only $1,250,000.
Act now. This gem won't last!
Call Howard Hanna.  Send commission this way.

The itinerant geese launched into the air when we approached.

Yet another instance where photography does not do justice
to the experience.
Imagine the fowl mass, honking excitedly,
passing directly overhead.

The locals are unperturbed.

Kane mountain in the distance beyond the ice in the shallows on Lily Lake.

But there's a break, so we can make our way through.

The deep blue water is so inviting.
C'mon in, the water's fine!

Full ice on Canada Lake blocks our path.
Time to turn around.

But before we go, a reward for coming so far.

The eagle peruses the ice edge, searching for fish sunning near the surface.

Was he visible from the Kane Mountain fire tower?

We are treated to another!

How can one be sure this is a different eagle?
In addition to not having fully aged beyond the darker immature coloring,
this one is spreading "fingers" wide on one wing
to compensate for lost feathers.

His name is "Lefty."

Returning back through Lily Lake,
wondering when the loons will make their 2018 debut.

Looking westward, wonder no more!

A good day to fish.

Chilled sushi is hard to beat.