Leaf Peeping and Rock Hopping...

Last weekend we traveled north to view the fall foliage in our beloved Adirondack Mountains. As always Mother Nature did not disappoint. It was not quite "peak", perhaps a week shy but it was glorious nonetheless. We took along Chatterbug, who had not yet made a journey northward with us. Sharing something old with someone new always makes it seem in some way as you too are seeing it again for the first time. We find great pleasure in introducing these mountains to yet another generation.

Before I go on I must share a tense moment that happened just as we arrived. On Friday night we had a surprise visitor. It seems we took our neighbor off guard because we arrived at 10 pm, much later than normal. Setting up an RV is not really a quiet task either. Backing into position, removing the tow bars, four kids and a dog, you get the idea. So, looking out for our best interest, he called the State Police thinking we were vandals or burglars. Poor Daddybug! Just as he was coming around from behind the RV, hands in pockets because it was chilly, an officer shines a light directly in his eyes and says with hand on his pistol, "Would you mind removing your hands from your pockets?" You can only imagine both their thoughts right? Well DB quickly did so and asked the officer what the problem was. No sooner did the officer see our set up and realized we belonged there and the situation quickly de-escalated, WHEW!!! Of course, all this happened and I had no idea as I was in the RV setting up, tending to Little Ladybug and making snacks. Real threatening group we are right, LOL! In short it's good to know we have a neighbor who looks out for our property, be it ever so humble, in our absence.

So after the excitement was over, we decided it was too late for a fire and made ourselves cozy in the RV. LL and Beetleboy were tired from a long day. Boll Weevil and Chatterbug huddled in their tent, chatting till the wee hours I'm sure. That gave DB and I time to unwind. This has been much needed as I have been back in school, both of us working, and DB assuming much of the family care on the two nights I'm gone. He has been SO supportive and I tell him "Thank You" all the time.

Saturday morning we awoke (not so early) and made our way north to Tahawus near Newcomb. It is a beautiful area for viewing the mountains and the leaves. The boys had a great time exploring, LL did too.

So Saturday night was rather low-key after dinner. We made S'mores, chatted a bit by the fire and then retired.

On Sunday morning we decided to hike to the top of the ridge on our property, hence the name Cedar Ridge. This is by no means a true hike, but it's more than a walk so that's what I'll call it. At the topmost point of our land, years ago, my father carved his initials is a grand, stately birch tree. We've made this a destination point over the years. Likely and mostly because I was so surprised to have literally stumbled upon this tree many years ago. My father never told me this tree was there but I found it, God willing I'm sure. One time when I mentioned this special tree, my brother-in-law and sister-in-law must've made a mental note of it. On my birthday they gave me a beautiful copper leaf embossed with a face. Attached to this leaf is a poem called, "The Spirit of the Forest". Sadly I don't know who it is written by as it is not listed. Otherwise I would gladly give credit for these beautiful thoughts. When I received this there was great debate in the family as to where it should be placed. After a season or two of pondering it was decided that this special tree deserved such an adornment. Hence, our treks to the tree began. That was about 12 years ago I guess and we are still hiking there today.

Here is that poem:

It’s peaceful and calm,
the trees seem endlessly reaching upward to touch the sky.
Branches sway slowly,
creating an orchestra of leaves bustling together
as a gentle breeze passes by.
This is the “Spirit of the Forest”
whose watchful eye
provides peace and a safe haven for all who enter.

It so beautifully sums of our little slice of the Adirondacks. Praise be to God for making these glorious mountains.