A quick trip with Cassidy to take advantage of moody light, high tide, and salt air magic.
Indian Well State Park offers a relatively short, yet moderate hike along a section of the blue-blazed Paugussett Trail. Beginning at the northernmost trailhead in the park, the (roughly) two-mile out-and-back route offers a gratifying view of the valley below, lots of varied terrain, interesting geological deposits, and well maintained trails.
Disembarking from the trailhead, we headed upwards and south toward the vista for a snack. It was a sweet and satisfying view, and nice primer to get the girls excited about the rest of our little journey. Of course, the big payout is hiking around to the waterfall. The western part of the loop, which is close to the vista and brings you directly to the falls, was closed, so we ventured east and down toward the road where we could cross the river and approach the falls from the other direction. The dissent was steep and added some unexpected mileage, but we persevered.
Indian Well Falls is “a slender 15-foot plunge that dumps into an attractive pool almost completely enclosed within a circular gorge” (NewEnglandWaterfalls.com). We couldn’t kick off our shoes fast enough, eager to scramble around the rocks and dip our toes in the cool (freezing cold) water. This was Cassidy’s first real waterfall experience (that she can remember). She told me it was “magical.” Of course, she was right. We played around the rocks and watched the water for a while before turning back, heading this time down the road to our car at the northern trailhead.
The Travel & Nature section of the website has been updated with images from Yellowstone National Park. Otherworldly landscapes and close encounters with wildlife made for an unforgettable driving tour of the park. I can’t wait to get back (maybe without three small children) and hike it.
Fifty years ago the United States made history when the Apollo 11 lunar module set two men atop the moon, and our ideas around the capability of human kind grew in giant steps.
iPhone image through a Newtonian Reflector telescope fitted with a 50mm lens.
When I take a walk through the woods, I tend to keep my eyes down toward the ground and a few feet in front of me. When things feel a little to big, I like to bring my focus way in. Taking in the patterns and the colors, finding inspiration in the details that go unnoticed when I'm not paying attention.
I'm going to be honest. Some days I am so tired that making breakfast feels like climbing a mountain. Some days I'm left with the cries of two small children ringing in my ears. Some days that's all part of the ballgame and I'm a shortstop on fire. Some days it feels like too much. And, some days, all I need is some bracket fungi and a pup by my side to right the ship.
We dipped our toes into Glacier National Park, and I returned conspiring ways to see more of it. Could I lead photo tours for a year? Host camp weekend excursions? Just... camp? It is expansive, diverse, and breathtaking in ways you can't be prepared for. Our short visit included Trail of the Cedars, a boat ride on Lake McDonald, a secluded hike up to Fish Lake, and a more popular hike up to Avalanche Lake. Nights were spent in an Airbnb in Bigfork, MT. I could have spent several days photographing each of the trails we walked, and then months on the trails we didn't.
After working for the Connecticut Audubon Society, it's hard not to get excited when you see a new bird. I've always loved the coloring and stature of the Green Heron, but had never seen one in person... until yesterday! Cassidy and I took quite a few trips to the park yesterday, hoping to capture this fellow while he was out and about.
The Mystic Aquarium in Mystic, CT is hands-down one of my favorite places. I can't believe I took photos of these sea critters eight years ago today! I remember it being a beautiful day - just look at that Stellar Sea Lion basking in the sun.