Last week-end I went down to visit my dad for the first time since my stepmother died nearly two months ago. One of the reasons I had delayed my visit was our plan to visit the Highlands Sanctuary, which we had to decided to postpone due to the heavy, wet, and destructive snowfall two weeks earlier.
Because the preserves of the Sanctuary are private and managed with an eye toward preservation rather than human intrusion, a permit is required for hiking there, and we missed the one-week pre-registration deadline for our own trip. So my dad signed us up for a guided prarie hike instead, which turned out to be a completely different experience than we would have had on our own. We were with a group of about 20 people, many of them experienced birders and expert botanists. Since I can't recognize bird calls other than those most basic to our neighborhood and know absolutely nothing whatever about wild plants, it was a treat for me to be among knowledgeable (completely obsessed, actually) folks. I'm not sure that I would have otherwise noticed a single wildflower of the many we spent hours photographing.
9 comments:
What a great find! I'd love to go on a guided hike around here somewhere. We have so many beautiful wild plants that I know nothing about. Lisa :-]
Did you really find this beautifully photographed Ladyslipper? I would sell all my possessions on e-bay and relocate (okay, perhaps that's going a bit too far, but you get my point) to be near wild Ladyslippers!
Best,
Judith
http://journals.aol.com/jtuwliens/MirrorMirrorontheWall
What an amazing delicate looking flower. I went on a hike, guided once, and was amazed at the things I learned about country I thought I knew! It sounds like it was a wonderful hike.
Rebecca
A beautiful picture. I'm glad you and your dad got out to do what you enjoy so much.
We are trying to attend an International Migratory Bird Day event on Saturday at a facility also set up for research but which occasionally hosts events. I hope my schedule juggling works.
Oh I just love that Yellow Lady Slipper and your very informative post. I saved the link and I'm going to go back tomorrow when I have more time. Thank you so much.
Marlene-PurelyPoetry
I was leaning back in my seat when I scrolled down to see your picture and then I sat forward with an "oh!" when that beautiful photograph came into view. How utterly lovely! Thank you for sharing. And I am glad you and your father had such a rewarding experience together.
Do take care,
Vicky
http://www.livejournal.com/users/vxv789/
Oh, I love ladyslippers!! Thank you for sending this!!
Oh, I love ladyslippers!! Thank you for sending this!!
Highlands Sanctuary looks just beautiful.
Post a Comment