Rats

We saw the movie "Ratatouille" last evening. As they say, it is for "kids" of all ages. We definitely recommend it. And there was a Pixar short beforehand that was even better than the movie. A real gem.

Ausable Chasm

Went to Ausable Chasm south of Plattsburgh today. We walked the rim trail and took the raft ride.

Plants of the Osgood River and Church Pond

Sheep Laurel (Kalmia angustifolia) in the Ericaceae

Labrador Tea (Ledum groenlandicum) in the Ericaceae

Blue Flag (Iris) in the Iridaceae

Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia purpurea) in the Sarraceniaceae

Round-leaved Sundew (Drosera rotundifolia) in the Droseraceae

Rose Pogonia (Pogonia ophioglossoides) in the Orchidaceae

Kayak Trip on Osgood River

We had a great paddle on the Osgood River today. We put in on Church Pond, paddled through a small stream to Little Osgood Pond, and then through a hand-dug canal to Osgood Pond. The canal was quite shallow and difficult to navigate. Note to self - put in directly onto Osgood Pond in the future. Then we went across Osgood Pond and up the Osgood River.

The Osgood River wanders through a tamarck swamp with a nice variety of bog plants.

We went up river about 3 miles until we reached a small log dam that prevents further progress. The river is not navigable below it. We got out and stretched our legs at this point.

Bear?

I thought at first this scat was fresh. It is not, but it is definitely new this spring. And it is quite close to the house.

Kayak Trip on Saranac River

Today I paddled from the boat launch on Second Pond down the Saranac River to the lower locks and then went down Cold Brook on the way back. Unfortunately, there was a spruce tree down across the brook just 10 minutes downstream that completely blocked the way.

Partridgeberry (Mitechella repens) in the Rubiaceae

The "berry" will actually contain the fruits of both flowers in the pair.

They're Baaack

We seem to be on the regular route of mama and her twins. I just have to be up at 6:30 AM to see them.

Kayak Trip on Follensby Clear

Took a kayak trip with Cindy B today. We did a relaxed explore of Follensby Clear Pond and then went down the creeks into Fish Creek Bay. There were a fair number of motor boats going to and from Upper Saranac.

Feathered Friends