The Lost Weekend. 8-4 & 5, 2018

Well, August has gotten off to a shaky start. Last weekend, we were dealing with a heatwave so we decided that, for two days in a row, we'd get up before dawn and hit the trails before things got too hot. With afternoon plans on Saturday, we chose a very close spot that we haven't done the "full run" on in a while.

We got there  just as the sun was coming up. It was gorgeous. We didn't see any animals until we got to a bike-ramp board that is usually reliable for American Toads. It was again.

These two were both pretty surprised and literally dove into holes in the sand.

The "Alley" was herp-free and as the sun rose, and we realized that we might be racing against a storm as well. Here's Andrea in the new sun, with ominous clouds behind her.


We got to the river and took a break. Swamp mallow was blooming like crazy! (Thanks to Andrew for the ID!)


We sat up near the trestle and just enjoyed the quiet beauty before the heat set in.


Many birds were out and about but they were mostly too quick for my camera. We went to "the other side" through the tunnel, a hike we've only made once or twice this year. It was moist and mushrooms were all over, including this lovely gills-on-top guy.


I backed into this.


We finally got our cameras on another animal... a wee Peeper.


We made the entire hike even though it was starting to really heat up. We saw nothing. Our plan was backfiring... looks like we were either too early or things just weren't going to get up until dark. Finally, about a mile from the car, we saw a speedy Garter Snake.

That makes all the difference.

We checked the toads again on the way out. Up and hopping, they were.


Purple loosetrife might be invasive but the bumblebees sure dig it.


Well, that was that. We went home and ate breakfast and took a nap. Not a great day count-wise but we know how to enjoy just being out there.

The next morning, we'd planned a trip to Western Massachusetts to do some stream-herping. Wood Turtles (fingers crossed) and salamanders would be our targets. We actually ate breakfast before leaving. It was dawn as we were getting ready to go. I heard something in the dumpster near my car...

I added a few watermelon rinds to chubby's trash soup! He said thanks.

Hell yeah, an animal before we started the car! This day was going to be great!

We listened to music and talked and were very upbeat on the nearly 100 mile drive out. I had to stop and get another Diet Coke when we got to Turner's Falls. I didn't want to run out in the stream. I got a nice 1.25 liter and we got back into the car.

It wouldn't start.

I called AAA and they got there (within 1/2 hour... no complaints there) and the guy said it was my starter. (It had been starting a bit sluggishly the past couple of days.) He started it for me and said "it may never start again so I suggest you get to your garage." Which is, of course, over 90 miles away. And closed on Sunday. But what could we do? We got back into the car, defeated, and silently drove 90+ miles back to Waltham.

I left the car outside the garage and we went to rent something to get home in. We got a Jeep. Since it was still before noon, even though I was emotional toast, Andrea suggested we might go to our old standby pond, just to see nature for a bit. I reluctantly agreed.

But she was right. I was delirious with fatigue and stress but we walked to the swimming area and paid our dues. The lifeguard on duty was alone... transition day. Campers leaving while new ones were coming. We lucked out big time (in that respect). 5 O'clock Charlene was present and full.


Andrea had hung the prospect of seeing her in front of my face like a carrot and you know, it helped. She's such a beautiful snake and all of the residents and visitors know and respect her.

We were watching Kingbirds feeding this large-as-they-are fledgling Cowbird.

According to an article (thanks, Sean!), Kingbirds rarely fall for the Cowbird nest raiding ploy but it does happen sometimes. It was a pretty cool thing to see. While I was watching, this "little" guy did an impressive 20 foot flight.

We sat and looked at the trees for a half hour or so. It was hot but the breeze cooled our sweat. It gave us some much needed relaxation. The only other animal we saw was a thin Garter that periscoped his head out of a blueberry bush for a moment to test the heat. He didn't stay long.


We made the best of a destroyed day. I still beat myself up for a few days about it and managed to get the car fixed. Now, the upcoming weekend is supposed to be rain-filled. And after a soul-crushing week of work. Ah well, whattaya gonna do?