I returned to my spot today, and this was my first visit at dusk! (somewhat unintentionally… forgot how early the sun sets). I ran down as per usual, this time with a fellow NR friend, Caitlin. Despite being December, there is still no snow on the ground, although from my spot I can look across lake Champlain and see snow on the peaks of the Adirondacks. At this point as I look around the hardwood trees are all almost completely bare except for a few red oak leaves still clinging on. The various leaves scattered on the ground have gone from their bright autumn hues to a darker brown, and are beginning to decompose. There is a noticeable amount of sediment/decomposing leaves on the bottom on the lake in the shallow areas. Aside from the beautiful sunset, the only bright colors remaining in the spot are the greens of the conifers: the spruce, cedar, and white pine. The only signs of animal life I spot are some little bird tracks on the sandy beach and a squirrel or two. Nature seems to be preparing itself for the long winter ahead.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this phenology project, and I will definitely continue to visit this special spot on my trail runs. I have had the privilege of observing this natural area at different times of the day and through different seasons. Allowing myself to be fully submerged in the nature of this spot has helped me forge a connection to the land there. I am always happy to bring friends with me to my spot and share the beauty with them. I especially love the fact that there are several different formations within my spot. I usually go right down to the water and perch on the rocky outcroppings, and from there I can see the lake in front of me, the mountains across from me, the beach next to me, the forest behind me, and the rock point thrust fault on the other side of me. My favorite part is probably closing my eyes and listening to the little waves lap at the rocks.