Jane and I made two trips to the Eshqua Bog in Hartland, VT this year: one in early June and the other a few days ago. The bog has many unusual plants, including a couple of types of lady slippers. The yellow ones bloom in early June.
The showy lady slippers bloom in late June.
We found a white lady slipper among the showy lady slippers, a mutation?
There are other bog flowers present:
We had a few trips in our kayaks, though the weather didn’t always cooperate.
We did get a chance to see some birds: some unusual ones, and more of the standbys.
The mallard drakes have gathered together and are molting. The baby mallards are hatching, and have to beware of hungry loons and osprey.
The kayaking season has gotten off to a good start. We’ve been out three days this week, to our regular haunts: The Connecticut River from Wilder, North Hartland Lake and the Ompompanoosuc River in Norwich.
The birds are flying, perching, singing, nesting and taking care of families.
We have also seen a few mammals: Three deer (two on the Connecticut and one on the Pompy) and a muskrat.
After a winter of walking with the dogs, we are looking forward to getting back in the kayaks.
On Tuesday, Jane and I went out to Grafton Pond. It was the only day this week that didn’t have a windy afternoon. We saw a few loons, some geese and a turtle, and enjoyed a lovely paddle. It was good to be back on the water.
Again this year I have calendars for sale. $20, plus $10 shipping. Let me know if you want one.
