This is a good opening shot for this sequence of photos, my trip this year certainly included many happy hours in the woods and waters of this unspoiled region.

This year I met and stayed with some wonderful new friends, they live here on top of one of the areas most beautiful and scenic mountains.
Not as many Moose were in evidence this year one of the reasons may have been the record breaking Heat we were experiencing that week.
This is an early morning shot from one of my favorite places to be on earth. I take an old tote road in to the trail head then hike the trail in to this little spillway surrounded by beautiful trees and mountains.
It was drier this year which means that more of the logging roads were accessible by my little wagon . I went boldly in where I had never gone before and found this remote Bog which besides being gorgeous is a haven for Brook Trout.
The most observant of you will notice that the Moose horns are displayed as singles instead of a complete rack. They were found by my friends who are Shed Hunters and comb the wild mountains looking for one of these that a Moose dropped off.
I had the unique experience of joining up with a local movement to blaze a new area hiking trail along the river to a Falls on the river. It was a rugged walk and a tiring day but I will always remember and be proud to be a part of this worthwhile effort. Those that are interested can check out the trail here. http://www.cohostrail.org/index.html
My home away from home, this unique shelter was built by a Lady that honed Her skills working on log cabin construction in Northern Maine. She integrated many natural elements into the design including using the New Hampshire granite ledge as a wall that reflects the heat from the stove.
A view from the penthouse, looking out from the top of the Mountain.
This is a Painted Trillium one of my favorite wood flowers that I look forward to seeing every year.
As always it was great to get away and enjoy the peace and beauty of my favorite place.

Warm Up

Packing things up for my spring walkabout, I'm heading north tomorrow for some time in the Great Northwoods Region of Northern New Hampshire.

The lilacs are in bloom here in the valley but I will leave them and other flowers behind as I head for the higher latitudes.
An early morning walk in the marsh just to stretch my legs and my lens out a bit.
As usual the reflections were awesome in the early morning light on the water.
Stealth has its rewards, chances like this one make all the mosquito bites worth it.
Looking forward to bringing back some shots from my upcoming trip in a few days.

Winter Twilight

We headed down to the lake shore and took advantage of the unique conditions created by the mix of sunlight and ice.

Make your own fun!

Sandwiched in between Christmas and Boxing day is the feast of Kuksa a day set aside to show our appreciation for the lowly but useful cup.
The best way to gain a full knowledge of this common but extremely important utensil is to fashion one the way the native people did.


Not sure in what period of native development Sharpies were invented but you can look it up.
Birch is the traditional wood used and who are we to argue?


Thanks for journeying along with us through the Kuksa season, Cheers!

Home for Christmas

Rachel and Phil are here and we are enjoying our time with them, the weather was nice enough to go afield and get some fresh air
I have a lot of paracord on hand and Rachel and Percy showed us a thing or three about new and interesting uses for it.
My firesteel and striker with paracord lanyard.
Check out the fancy stitch on this bracelet it contains about 8' of cord ready for use should the need ever arise
It has a simple loop and knot clasp on the underside.
I am enjoying my new bracelet, Thank You Rachel, and good luck with your new business, we accept all major credit cards cash or good check.

Chicken Update

Time for an update on operation hen house, as you can see we are in full operation.
This Buff Orpington pullet will be laying in a couple of months. This breed is very cold weather tolerant they have a thick layer of feathers.

Here is another of the Buffs the one on the right is a ROO !

Despite the recent cold temps and short days without much sunlight the hens are finally starting to lay eggs faster than I can eat them.

Brief Interlude

Inside set up for the winter the waterer has a thermostat to keep it from freezing, I am running a heat lamp at night which keeps it comfortable for them in their insulated building.

This Barred Rock was bred for New England winters, she has a thick coat of the finest down to keep her safe and warm through the winter months.

Another example of New England stock the Rhode Island Red. They are hardy and prolific layers of large brown eggs.

The Buff Rooster is saying hello to the laying hens from a safe distance in an adjacent pen.

Its great to have plenty of these all set for the holiday baking.

Frosty Pumpkins

My walkabout with the camera was a little frosty but very rewarding.

I had the sun on my shoulder which should become noticeable on some of these shots.
The creek water was black and cold but made a wonderful background for reflecting images.
Another pilgrim that had left this monument in the fall woods.
You can see a touch of frost on the top of these round bales.
Another delicate frosting that was soon to dissolve in the morning sunlight.

If a leaf falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? A. NO!
Its a wonderful blend of colors now browns and reds and the occasional green vegetation.
I like the contrast in this one.
One of my favorite bends in the channel this is a good place to hang out early in the morning.
Had to show this one in Black and White the dark water sets the mood for this shot.
How inviting is this leaf strewn path bordered with late season ferns?
Milkweed pod in its late season stage
When I got home I noticed that we had a few leaves in my backyard that needed raking!