Starting out with an insulated denim jacket at 43 degrees, and ending with a sweaty tee shirt at 78 degrees. Such is a late morning to afternoon session in a never ending buckthorn battle in the woods saga. The early morning chill is bearable after coffee and pancakes, but the October afternoons of this year have been an Indian Summer delight—even with the buckthorn.
Throw in the clearing of a few dead Oaks for firewood, and we have the setting for some of the most enjoyable hours that can be spent in the woods. No question, some challenges present themselves, like hanging widow-makers hanging high up in the tree crowns or piles of buckthorn to clear from the trail. But our faithful horse, Kawasaki, or rather ATV, provides the services of a mule, in winching down those hanging trees or dragging piles of cut buckthorn to new places of repose, where they may provide some cover and protection for the wild occupants of our forest.
It is surprising how much time one can spend studying leaves of the varieties of trees and shrubs finding a home in the woods. Oh, and this has been a “great” year for acorns, well appreciated by the squirrels, deer and turkeys meandering through. Also, a good growing season is evidenced by the bountiful supply of various mushroom species, although I do not rely on my meager expertise to choose but a few readily recognized varieties.
All in all, this is simply meant as a reminder that spending some time in the “woods” can be as beneficial as a handful of pills, or perhaps even more so.
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