Late Winter Woodsy Ramble

Last week's woodsy ramble and photo session began in State Game Lands 181, in York County, PA.  There were no clear overlooks on the trail taken, but many opportunities to glimpse the Susquehanna through the leafless deciduous forest.  Another section was mostly evergreen, with a layer of needles making for soft footing underneath.

We ventured off-trail frequently, and discovered markers of various points on the life cycle, like the gnawed remnants of white tailed deer bones:

The first spathes of skunk cabbage emerging creekside:

A skunk cabbage spathe under the macro lens:

The beautiful evergreen leaves of the striped wintergreen, Chimaphila maculata:

The nest stop was the Indian Steps Museum.  The building was still closed for season--it is well worth a visit--but we were free to wander the grounds.

There's a large outdoor summer kitchen, with several fireplaces and ovens, including this one with ornate doors:

A sundial from 1911--"What Changes Time Hath Wrought"

A ginormous American Holly tree and its accompanying plaque, with yours truly in the picture for scale. Also for scale, those are sycamore trees in the background.

It's a  "350 year old holly tree that is believed to be the largest American holly tree in this latitude. The tree is 65 feet tall and its branches spread 65 feet as well. The circumference of the trunk, two feet above the ground, is 76 inches."

It's a very peaceful locale with a good vibe, and the river views are also tranquil.  This image became my choice for my week 36 iteration of my ongoing self-directed project, 52 Ways to Look at the River.

52 Ways to Look at the River, week 36 image

Back in the studio, I used the inspiration image to make this 6" x 12" panel, It's needlefelted with wool and silk, stitched, and handbeaded.

52 Ways to Look at the River, week 36 panel

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