Now that I am working I have not had a chance to walk on the wild side like I would like to. I come home from work to late and Minnesota’s state bird, the Mosquitoes are out in drones and just the idea of walking in the woods would be fool hearty.

I finally had the chance today to go and Dunkin was more then eager to accompany me on my adventure. With all the rain we had my path leading into the woods had over grown. Dunkin, after exchanging a few words with the huge German Shepards next door, showed me the best path to take into the woods. We picked our way through the under growth and I was sadly disappointed to see that I have missed so many flowers that should have blossomed. The False Solomon’s Seal had finished blooming and only spent flower heads were left. I also missed the Trilliums. These plants are very rare in New York and are treasured. Last year I spotted several nice plants growing and I hoped to see them this year. The Ginger plants were doing nicely, and oh for joy I found Jewl Weed growing. I did not think they grew here. Jewl Weed is an excellent plant to use if a bee stings you. There is something in the sap of this plant that takes away the pain. The seeds of this plant are a blue color and have a nutty taste to them. I also spotted Danes Rockets. If heaven has an aroma it would be the fragrance of Danes Rockets. The Danes rockets are not very abundant, but give it time and it will spread.

The colors of the woods are now green and not much to see as far as wild flowers. The plants are setting their seeds and I can see there will be an abundance of Goose Berries, and Black Berries as well as some kind of red berries that the birds seem to like.

Wild areas never stay stagnant things are always evolving. As I managed my way to the open field to sit for a while, I could see a verity of young trees beginning to grow. Young Maple, Cotton Wood, Sumac and Red Cedar trees are starting to grow. The older trees are dieing bringing sunlight between the trees and undergrowth has become heavy.

Dunking was eager to go to his “beach” area for a swim so he hurried me along. “Common mama, swim time” his golden brown eyes would tell me as he stood watching me. So I got up and he quickly led me to his special area and dove right into the swift moving water. The creek is deeper the usual because of all the heavy rains we have been having. As I walked down the bank to the creek I spotted a Great Blue Herron sunning himself on a fallen tree. He eyed us carefully to see what we were doing and he more or less ignored Dunkin and the splashing he did as he ran in the creek near the bank. He seemed to pay more attention to me and was keeping an eye on what I was doing. After a few minutes, he decided that he did not like the intrusion and spread his huge wings and gracefully flew off. I was disappointed that I did not have my camera with me, as I would have loved to photograph him. When Dunkin had enough splash time we started to head to his other area where a tree had fallen. This is Dunkin’s Leap. The high bank is ideal for him to jump into the creek on a single bond. He loves doing this; I think it must be his way of flying for a split second. As we headed down the path a verity of birds sang in the woods. I heard a chirping near me and I spotted a female Cardinal fluttering from branch to branch. As we walked down the road Dunkin spotted 2 large humps at the crossroads. Dirt bikers had built this to add some excitement on their biking. Here Dunkin promptly climbed up one of the humps playing King of the Mountain. As we neared Dinkin’s Leap, I also spotted what I thought might be a King Fisher swooping along the creek. Dunkin practiced his diving skills retrieving some sticks I tossed into the water. When he had enough we started to head back. I once again stopped in the meadow. The tall grass had seed heads on it, and I saw the black dragon fly flying about. Where are the bees? I have not seen one bee this year. Nor have I spotted the Humming bird that always comes to the house and drinks the sweet nectar from the Trumpet Vine I have planted.

Where are they? Has anyone see any bees or Humming Birds?

Even during the day the mosquitoes were out seeking a warm-blooded body like myself, so I had enough of bites and I headed home. Dunkin must have also had enough of a walk because he did not argue with me and guided me through the under brush home.