Nature Study

Today was all about nature. We took a 3.5 mile hike on Pyramid Mountain with some friends. The hike was led by our favorite guide-Douglas. He taught us a few things about the trees and autumn.

Here the kids are getting up close and personal with Witch Hazel. It blooms in autumn with beautiful yellow flowers.

Here is Douglas talking about the changes the leaves go through as the tree prepares for the upcoming winter drought.

If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it does it make a sound? The tree fell over due to a weak root system. There are a lot of rocks on the mountain.

Lunch! Beautiful spot by the river.

Evidence of beaver activity. Why do beavers build dams? When you eat the inside of trees and you are not that great on the land it is better to flood the area so it is easier to get to your food supply and more difficult for a predator to get you.

About half way through the hike. We are 800 feet above sea level. The view was lovely.

We made it to Tripod Rock! Woo Hoo! One day that rock will fall. The 3 little rocks supporting it are showing evidence of ongoing erosion. Water freezes in the cracks and expands them.



There was a little more uphill climbing from here but then we made it to the downward part of our journey. One part was pretty steep but the kids were troopers. I think I was more afraid of falling.

It was a great day. The weather was warm. We observed some woodpeckers and saw a hawk or two. One may have been a turkey vulture. Learned a bit about the shapes of leaves affecting the way the leaf falls to the ground. Plus, plenty of fresh air and exercise.