Tuesday, June 09, 2009

Soup's On!

Hazy, humid and hot. Those three words for summer have arrived here for the first time this season. The air is thick with it. An early morning thunderstorm woke me up as it rumbled north of me, for once not passing over my cabin. But it was a clear warning of what to expect later today.

I am starting to see a few yellowing leaves on some of the forest plants. I’m guessing they’ve had enough of rain and no sunshine, too. The heavy air seems to hold scents better than drier air. When I walk the dogs, they start dancing and sniffing as though something is quite near, and then I’ll see a deer standing way up on the slope. Normally, something that far away wouldn’t bother them, but in this air, the scent must seem closer than it really is.

Birds are noisy around the cabin—the Carolina wren is especially vocal right now. Ovenbirds and wood thrush have quieted somewhat, no doubt performing nest duties. I still hear them occasionally at dusk or dawn, but it’s nothing like the constant singing of just a few weeks ago. I see deer occasionally but as yet no fawns. Perhaps they are still too small to be doing much traveling with the doe. Still, usually I’ve seen them by now, and this year I haven’t.

Today’s photo is of the old stone bridge that crosses Beaver Creek at the bottom of the mountain. I’ve shown this photo before, usually in fall or winter. I think this is the first time I’ve shown it in a green season.

3 comments:

Grizz………… said...

You're right—damp air is the best for tracking, and your dogs are simply responding to a full dose of hot scent.

It rained here during the night, as well—beginning about 4:45 a.m. Not enough to raise the river more than a couple of inches, but by the time the sun came out about 8:00 a.m I could hear the grass start to grow.

Cathy said...

I had a t-storm too that woke me up this morning. :( Sadly that same line, a bolt a lightening struck a house and it caught on fire. Did alot of damage.

Carolyn H said...

Griz: I'd think even the grass would be screaming for sun by now...

Cathy: That's terrible about the house. That happened near me a year or so ago. Destroyed a 5-month old McMansion. Same storm knocked out my neighbor's well pump. Lightning is one of nature's events I'd be happy to do without.

Carolyn H.