Outdoor Adventures with Gary Lee - Vol. 382
Fall is flying by and so far, the beautiful fall leaves are still mostly still on the trees. They are falling in ones and twos but no big drop yet. The rain later this week may take a toll on them. The folks along the east coast took it in the shorts over the weekend as a combination of high tide and a full moon put water into streets and parking areas all through that area. The wind never did get this far west but we did get some light rain and not much of that. Back in the 50’s a north easter came up the east coastline about the same as this one but it came more inland causing the big blowdown. Intense winds from the east fell thousands of trees as their roots were grown for winds from the west and when it came from the east down, they came. I was only ten and I don’t even remember it happening. Much of this timber was removed from state land and several local lumber men got their big start during that time. I have walked over trees in places that came down in the big blow and never touched at the head of Sagamore Lake on Blue Ridge. New roads were made to get this timber out and those are what I call blowdown roads that can still be followed on the ground in many places.
I didn’t mention a great pig roasted up at Stan Ernst’s ranch at the top of the hill a couple of weeks ago. Family and friends gathered one Sunday afternoon as the pig was roasting under a big pan of charcoal. The pig had a thermometer in it and Stan was at the controls in his chair nearby, beer in one hand a control meter in the other keeping track of pig in the oven. The pig was flipped midway during cooking and placed again under the charcoal pan. It came out right on time and temperature to a golden brown and mouthwatering good as the meat fell off the bones. Baked beans, potatoes, and salads were all part of a great meal. Years ago, at the end of summer my father-in-law would have a clam bake at the farm with family and friends and I never missed that one and I sure won’t miss Stan’s next pig roast under charcoal.
This week an excellent group of volunteers took down the National Watercolor Show at View on Monday and had the paintings that didn’t sell all packed up and ready to go back to artist by noon that day. The new Quilt Show had all been laid out and backers put in place. By the end of the day these quilts were all in place on the floor around the galleries waiting to be hung the next day. On Tuesday some of these same volunteers plus a few more were putting up this new show. By the end of the day all these beautiful quilts and wall hangings were in place. That show opens at View Friday from four to six pm.
Kids Day is coming this weekend in Inlet with many programs going on all day Saturday. Starting Friday night check the schedule online at Inlet Kids Day to see the complete list of times and events, something for everyone and beautiful leaves to boot.
Some beautiful wildflowers are still blooming in the area. Many fall asters in the open areas and roadsides. In the open area behind the dry hydrant between Inlet and Eagle Bay there are several neat flowers. Ladies Tresses, Fringed Gentians, many asters and in the bog area behind that many bear berry small trees covered with orange berries.
Some hunting seasons are open in the area so be aware as you are out and about but that’s another story. See ya.
Photo above: Bald Mountain Pond
