In early July, a waterfront poplar on Deer Point toppled into the lake, its 12-inch trunk gnawed to a point in a mere two nights. A few weeks later a neighboring poplar crashed beside it. Both trees were soon denuded of limbs, leaves and bark, leaving two pale, telephone-pole-like stumps stretching toward the lake. So where, you might ask, did the rest of the trees go?
Like six Little Red Riding Hoods—toting baskets, knives, bags, books and high hopes— we traipsed across the field to a copse of trees surrounding a giant elm stump. May is morel season, a “choice” mushroom in the lingo of aficionados.
To those who hate cold and snow, I hope you enjoyed this winter! (And why, might I ask, do you live in Northern Vermont?) For others who pine for eight months waiting to ski, snowshoe, sled or ice skate, here are some lessons learned this winter.
Look out the window: yesterday pelting rain, today bright sun, tomorrow snow. My crocuses poked up a few weeks ago. When the mercury dipped a few days later, John Rosenthal circumnavigated every cranny of Tupper Lake—28 miles. For a few days cross-country skiers savored powder and downhill skiers could ski on a greater number of trails. Then it rained again.
Celebrate the holidays with gifts of the outdoors. Make time and plans for fresh air, sunshine, snow or even rain. Exercise and fresh air will pay dividends throughout the year.
In November our desire for daylight collides with growing darkness that stretches to over nine hours each day. Clouds often hide the sun
Wearing rubber boots and carrying a map, Margaret Russell met me by Fortin’s Veggie Barn on Lake Road.
