Autumn Happenings

Early in this morning's view I saw the Canada Geese resting on the lake in preparation for their annual flight south. It happens every year about this time.

Their arrival prompted me to take another buggy ride to see if there are more colors evident in the surrounding close-by areas. Some images were taken at Lake Chrisann and others at Heart Lake. It was a cool day but I got through the journey with success. Soon the buggy will be leaving for winter storage. When the milkweed are open it's the time to do this!

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By the way I didn't see a single critter!

Sunshiny Morning

It is still quite cool but the bright morning sun beckoned me out to take a buggy ride. I still had to put on a sweater and windbreaker and wear gloves but out I went! Although I took the camera there was very little to capture except for the images below. I took my time and stayed on the pothole-filled dirt roads in the area. I did see some pretty tulips in bloom but they were in a place where I couldn't ambulate so I sat still for a bit and enjoyed their many colors. The magnolia tree was on private land but I did manage to zoom in to capture the shots below. It was a huge tree and very beautiful.

On the last lap heading for home, way out in the lake, I saw three little Canada geese with parents bucking the windy waters. These goslings weren't evident until today. Further on I saw the male Mallard following the female. I'm sure there will be a brood of ducklings in a few days. I like my rideabouts!

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Stuck

A very unusual sight this morning made me stop in awe. I called the mister out of the back room to come see what was occurring. 

Seven Canada geese flew over and then landed on the lake. They sat where they landed in a complete mentally frozen state as the lake has started to freeze over and I imagine the slush was very deep. 

I grabbed the camera and went out on the porch after fifteen minutes of watching them just sit there in a paralyzed position not even moving their heads. They were in some kind of shock after landing and not being able to move. 

Then one, the "leader" I think struggled to paddle its body around a bit and the others tried to do it too. VERY slowly the leader moved a little forward, the others following. It took about an hour for them to all gather in one cluster, stirring the slush and - suddenly they all in unison flapped their wings, and lifted off. Whew! That was a close one.

One year a goose was stuck and the eagles ate him. I took pictures. Sad sight. 

Yes, we had our first snow yesterday. Greasy mess. 'Tis the Season...

Down the Road Again....

Since I see that buttercups are now in bloom, I thought I'd take a ride and take their picture. My camera just doesn't do yellow flowers well - at all! Anyway, you get the idea that it's buttercup time. They are all over!

I saw some Mountain Pinks that have been abandoned but still are thriving. They come in all colors.

I passed a well-used "woodpecker tree" just before seeing the new family of the lake.

And when rounding the corner of a neighboring area these buildings took my eye.

I kinda like the empty house on the hillside. 

Please click on image to enlarge and enjoy the views

Rideabout the Lake

Since it is difficult for me to walk a distance, I commandered the Mister to drive me and my "camera buddy" around the lake because I wanted to take pictures of the many rhododendron bushes that property owners have planted through the years. I have none here - what everyone has I don't want. It's a "Gere thing." I already missed taking shots of the beautiful lilac blooms in a neighbor's yard because it has been raining and windy all week. Now they are gone.  

"The rhododendron (rhododenron maximum) is undoubtedly the most conspicuous understory plant in the mountain forests of Pennsylvania. In ravines and hollows and along shaded watercourses it often grows so luxuriantly as to form almost impenetrable tangles. In June or early July, large clusters of showy blossoms, ranging from white to light rosy- pink, appear at the ends of the branchlets. People travel many miles to witness the magnificent show which is provided by the rhododendron at flowering time."

Link for more info.

These are my rideabout results. Next door they are deep pink. The white ones in the middle of the bush haven't yet opened.

Down the road on the backside of the lake are a couple of lavender bushes.

And back on the homestretch are two places with a mixture of pinkish red and lavender plantings.

Closer to the cabin you will see more humble flowers such as wild phlox and little buttercups. The best part for me is my beachfront with the iris.

And one VERY THIRSTY Fuchsia. It drinks three cups of water every day!

To top it off, the Canada Goose family is doing very well.

Don't forget to click on an image to view all larger!