The Clear Cut

Uniform in size, standing at attention like a 4^th grade class, except with 10,000 students.  Thick enough to preclude the possible growth of invasive under story like the all too common buckthorn and blackberry which had occupied this clear cut field 30 years before.  This was my initial impression as we entered the pine stand we refer to as the Clear Cut.

Much in tidy hand-planted rows, but not all.  Spontaneous self-seeded growth from the old forest created a restless, meandering trail through the plot, which will not make it any easier for eventual harvest crews.  But, alas, a small sacrifice that only enhances the pleasure of our walk through the pine garden. 

For this is truly a garden which we have watched develop from a stump ridden, rock strewn clearcut to what I consider a sublime, or more appropriately, serene pathway to repose.  How is it possible that a few shovels of dirt and placement of tiny seedlings could develop into such a garden of peace and tranquility?

That question you will have to answer yourself, but walk through the garden before you arrive at your conclusion.  And, we must remember it has been through twenty-five years of evolution.

While you wrestle with that one, we will proceed to the next parcel—next time.  But “BEWARE”--  for some of these strolls were in warmer temperatures and we must be careful about where we step, musn’t we?  Of course we must!