Day 9: Eagle Lake

Bracken Fern

The North Country Trail (NCT) is approximately 4,600 miles and runs from central North Dakota to New York.  Fortunately, this lovely scenic trail runs right behind the Au Sable Institute.  To reach the trail you venture across the soccer field past a large Basswood to Maple hill.  From here a trail enters the woods and crosses a power line and then through a very thick and tall area of bracken ferns!  These ferns remind me of childhood hide and seek games when I would lay under the ferns undetected by the seekers.  Of course that memory does remind me that there could be critters hiding under the ferns - so I checked before walking through the area.

Blue blazes mark the NCT which is just wide enough for single foot or mountain bike travel.  The walk to Eagle lake is beautiful as you wander along through a maturing forest of Sugar Maples (acer saccharum) and Basswoods (Tilia americana) with an occasional yellow(betula allegheniensis) and paper birch (betula papyrifera).  Walking along through this forest transported my mind to the sweet smell of our Maple Sugar house back in Candia.

Eagle Lake 

After about 1.5 miles of walking Eagle lake came into view.  This small lake is nestled into the forest.  Here the trail wanders along the side of the lake and there are a few Eastern Hemlock trees and wetland bushes creating a barrier between the forest and the water.

There is much to be said for the ability to identify the different kinds of species around you.  Over the years, I have found this to increase my appreciation of the Creation.  The discipline of learning the different species can sometimes leave one feeling like they know less and less.  For every species one learns you realize there are scores more you do not know. Instead of feeling down about this reality I would suggest it should encourage us that learning is a life long endeavor.  Additionally it is not necessary to know all the species of an area to appreciate and care for the Creation.

Maple/Basswood Northern Hardwood Forest

Day 8: A Perfect night for sleeping under the Stars (sorry no picture for this one)

The sun sets in the western sky with a mosaic of colors contrasting to the dark blue sky. Soon the first stars start to emerge.  The night sky gradually takes over bringing and ever increasing number of stars.  Beneath us we hear the crinkling sound of a tarp as we shift in our sleeping bags to find a comfortable position to enjoy the priceless view of the night form the beach of Big Twin Lake.

Off and on we hear the sounds of frogs, crickets, and an occasional loon provide a peaceful concert as we watch the sky in silence.   Eventually, each of us drift off to sleep. Some time in the early morning hours I awoke and upon finding my glasses was awarded a glorious view of the Milky Way.  I know several hours have past, since the big dipper is now longer in the position it was earlier, but has drifted across the sky towards the west.   With little to no light pollution here the longer one gazes into the night sky the more stars seem to appear.

Stars can teach us an important lesson about Legacy!  The light seen when looking at a star has often traveled upwards of several hundred to a thousands of years.  Consider what that is in distance since light travels at a speed of 300,000,000 meters/sec. Now you and I are not stars, but in a sense we are....

Do everything without grumbling or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, "children of God without fault in a warped and crooked generation".  Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky as you hold firmly to the word of life" Philippians 2: 14-15

As children of God as we read, meditate and study the word, we should emanate forth life giving light.  This light is not something we can manufacture in ourselves, but a gift as the Holy Spirit works through the Word to shape us into the image of Christ.  We can never take Christ place, but through the refining of our lives we will start to become like Him - if that is the case, Christ shining through us should result in us being like a star.

The challenge then is, are we meditating, seeking, praying to the Lord?  Is He shining brightly through us, or through our tentativeness/stubbornness are we preventing this shining?  May we more fervently seek and walk with the expectation that He will show us great and unsearchable things (Jeremiah 33:3)!  

Day 7: The Song Sparrow

Apparently, a pair of Sandhill Cranes have been spotted in the area and are thought to be abiding near the Beaver Pond.  With this in mind I embarked on an evening walk along Louis Pond to the Beaver Pond. With well trodden trails and soft sand it is possible to walk along quietly.  I am sure the wildlife are aware of my presence, but it sure is fun to feel like you are sneaking up on the unexpected. The reward was hearing and seeing this bold Song Sparrow.  Hopefully you will be able to hear its lovely song, which occurs near the end of this short video.  If not, you will just have to use your imagination.

View of Beaver Pond - early summer evening 

Day 5 and 6: Introduction to the Research and and an excursion to Sleeping Bear Dune

When I consider your heavens, 

the work of your fingers,

   

the moon and the stars, 

which you have set in place,

    

4 

what is mankind that you are mindful of them,

    human beings that you care for them? Psalms 8:3-4 

Research Start:
Tuesday morning began with studying about amphibians use of forested pools. The goal for our team was to understand the project we are joining. Hopefully our efforts will result in publication. After an engaging group discussion we had the go ahead to start working with the data. Our first challenge is manipulate three years worth of data into a different format for some rather important statistical studies.  A reminder that data organization is very important and that the little things are really rather important!    

After a day of intense humidity the sun broke through the clouds for the later part of the afternoon providing for a lovely bike ride.   I ventured out on a 13 mile trek around Blue Lake.  While out I saw three cars and four deer!  One of the deer waited until I was about 20 feet away before bounding into the woods.  Unlike NH, there are few hill climbs of significance in this area, resulting in faster riding.  

Wednesday: Sleeping Bear Dune

450" Bluff overlooking Lake Michigan 

Fun Fact: Sleeping Bear Dune is the largest freshwater dune in the world. 

  

This was my second trip to the Dune, the last time being in 2004. We were blessed to see three endangered species: Trumpeter Swan, Pitchers Thistle, and Piping Plover. The sighting of the Trumpeter Sway was out of this world.  As we were walking towards the dune overhead out of the fog flew 4 Trumpeter Swans. We were all so surprised by the sound of the air over their wings that we stood still and in silence as we watched them fly out over the Dune towards the Lake. Truly a special moment.

   

Dune Vegetation - Juniper lower right, Cotton Woods in Distance

I will try to paint a picture with words about my experience at the Otter Creek Sand Dunes.

Lake Michigan - Sleeping Bear Bay

Light rain filtered through the forest trees as I walked along a narrow path.  On either side of the path was a plethora of poison-ivy just waiting to fill in over the path.  The sky was gray and threatening as we emerged out of the woods into the transitional zone to the Sand Dunes.  Here the path turned to fine sand which ran across the dune with a five foot drop down into a pool of water that was about 50 feet from Lake Michigan.  The drop gradually became less and less and we jumped down onto the sand of the beach.

View of Glen Lake 

Here the beach was wet from the waves and recent shower.  We broke into five groups to collect data about the changing vegetation as you walk away from the lake up into the Dune, Shrub area, and eventually forest.  As we stood on the beach receiving directions, there was a flash of lightning and the sound of rumbling thunder.  Inside I wanted to run for the car, however, the group decided to stay and collect data.  The rain started to fall harder as we made our way five meters away from the shore.  In the flat beach zone we had very little vegetation, just a sparse Sea Rocket here and there. Then we reached the start of the dune and had to scrabble up four feet of sand to the top of the first dune.  Here the vegetation changed dramatically with the introduction of greater density of grasses, plants, and bushes.   Beside our transect line there were was the endangered Pitchers Thistle.  Along we walked down into a hollow and then up a more steep section of the dune to the forest edge.  Here we stepped carefully to avoid the poison Ivy and admired the presence of White Ceder.  This walk make it quite evident that these natural areas are a great laboratory for studying succession from sparse vegetation to mature forest. If we were to continue walking into the forest we would have seen a transition to a Northern Hardwood Forest.  However, the thunderstorm was still approaching and with soaked clothes we finally decided to head for the cars.

Looking towards Glen Lake

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These are the kinds of experiences that help build a connection with Creation and a love and respect for the complexity that the Lord has woven into all his Creation! 

Day 3 and 4: Sunday Sabbath and Mystery Monday

Pickerel Lake from the boat launch

Sunday Morning I was blessed to visit Church in the Hills with a group of AuSable Students. The people were friendly and quite curious of a group of "young" people.  

For the afternoon I went on an exploratory bike ride around Big Twin, Little Twin and Pickerel Lake. The topography of this area is quite different from New Hampshire.  There are some rolling hills but nothing like South Road or High Street in Candia.  Bike riding here requires you to pedal all the time!

Additionally, sand can be a real issue for cyclists - and it is abundant in this area of Michigan.  The interior lakes here are called Kettle lakes - where a depression in the topography was left from the retreating glacier.  Where these holes are located below the water table a lake or pond forms.  

A beautiful part of the AuSable experience is Sunday night Vespers.  Each week is lead by a different class and a Professor brings a message from the word.  This week Field botany lead!  The message brought by Dr. Ken Sytsma on the Ceders of Lebanon.  Looking at the Biblical account of the use and misuse of this resource can provide a lesson regarding how we use natural resources.    This was the primary wood used for the building of the Temple and then Solomon's own palace.  This particular tree is quite massive and stately - it would dwarf our White Ceder.  Unfortunately, the species is still in a declining situation today.  Resources are a gift from the Lord, however poor stewardship of the resources is not a sustainable practice.

Maiden Hair Fern 

Monday kicked off my working assignment. For the first few weeks I will be working with two other Research Assistants -  our first task it to become acquainted with the research work that we will be helping to improve for publication.  Then will come the more tedious but all important data organization.

Mystery Monday Species: 
After an afternoon run around Twin Lake I found this lovely Maidenhair Fern on the pathway between the Education Center and Willow House!  This was a species that I was looking forward to seeing - since it not very common in NH.

 

Day 2: The Journey

The journey today was characterized by car: botanizing, birding, and wildlife watching! From the beautiful farm land of Ontario to the pine barrens of Michigan there was always something to see.  The Red Wing Black bird was a constant fixture throughout the day.  As the day wore on, deer were very prevalent both alive and unfortunately as road kill. There were also turkeys and several daring snapping turtle contemplating the journey across RT 75.   

With a few hours still left to the travel, I decided to stop and explore Bay City.  This was where the lumber jacks would come after being in the wilderness for long periods of time. As you can image that would suggest this city was known for its not so noble purposes.  However, today it is a nice little town situated along Lake Huron. 

Finally after a total of 20 hours in the car there was a sign that said Traverse City!  A few minutes after that came the exit for County Road 612.  It was here I called to let people know I had “made it” – since I did not expect there to be cell service once away from the highway. This part of the journey was the most nerve challenging.  The roads go forever with not very much other than trees, deer, and an occasional motorist.  After what seemed to long I saw a sign for the Au Sable Institute, the only challenge was it was not on the road I expected, however seeing that there was a sign I decided to follow it.  The road ended at Twin Lake Road – this I knew was a road I had seen before, the question was: Which way should I go? I decided left and I suppose when you are driving 25 mph it seems like forever.  At this point, I asked the Lord to please provide a “divine appointment” soon after a truck came from the other direction.  I stuck my hand out and signaled the universal please stop sign.  The driver hit the brakes and we chatted.  He affirmed that I was headed in the right direction.  What a blessings!  Within 5 minutes I was at the gateway to Au Sable! 

 

After some wondering around campus I unpacked in the basement of Willow House with the other staff members.  My roommate is one of the fabulous cooks! 

Day 1: The Adventure begins - Candia (NH) to Niagara Falls (Ontario) 

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

2 

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned;

    the flames will not set you ablaze.

3 

For I am the Lord your God,

    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior" Isaiah 43:3

The day began with an early morning walk to the Candia Library to return a book on Steam Power Engines.  While walking down Stevens lane I was greeted by a lovely Red Fox - she watched me walk all the way down the road!

With the car packed and ready for travel I departed at 6 AM after saying good bye to my neighbors who were headed off to work. It was with a little trepidation that I left town.  Thankfully while riding down South Road the Lord provided a good friend to provide just the right encouragement.  Knowing that I am loved and prayed for means so much!  

Around 9AM I stopped in Bennington Vermont to visit the monument site which commemorates the battle of Bennington. John Stark and his men played a critical role in this battle. General Stark brought his men over the Green Mountains to help defend against the British.  Today the forest has grown up substantially, however the monument provides a great 360 degree view of Vermont, Massachusetts, and New York. There were several nice park volunteers at the site, including a retired English teacher now a hobby farmer and writer who operated the elevator.

The ride was beautiful as the landscape was always changing: Green Mountains, farm land, marsh land, and rivers. Finally after 11 hours of traveling I arrived to the Backpackers Hostel located just 1 mile north of Niagara Falls. Within 10 minutes my bike was unloaded and I was off to see the falls.  Fortunately, the Hostel is located just 1 miles north of the falls and 3 miles from the Botanical Garden.  The volume of water rushing over the falls is amazing.   There are two primary falls the: American Falls and the Horse Shoe or Niagara Falls.  Riding north there is an area where the river makes a sharp turn and creates a large "Whirl Pool" area.  The Recreational Trail is perfect for biking along and enjoying the great view.

 Now time to rest up for tomorrow's journey!

Preparing for Departure

"The heavens declare the glory of God; he skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they display knowledge.  There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. Their voice goes out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world." Psalm 19: 1-4

With the departure for AuSable just a day away the last two weeks has been full of bringing the school year to a close and spending time with close friends enjoying New Hampshire.

Mt. Morgan and Percival: 
After a morning of teaching Chemistry, I escaped with Grandma Philbrick to enjoy an afternoon hike of Mt Morgan and Percival in the Squam lake Region. While traveling to the mountain I couldn't help but about all the summers our family visited Aunt Thelma on the lake.  Little did I know then, that one day I would do research on lakes.  The two peaks included fabulous views from their exposed granite tops of Squam Lake and the Sandwich Range.  While walking we enjoyed a concert from several song birds: Red Eyed Vireo, Oven Bird, White Throated Sparrow, Yellow Rumped warbler to name a few.

View from Mt. Percival of Squam Lake

 
JRHS - Portfolios and Graduation
No June is complete without the all important Portfolio reflection experience that JRHS students and teachers walk through together.  I am proud to say all my students persevered and illustrated great growth.  Before leaving to AuSable it was a joy to read their work!

Grading corner!

Every graduation feels bitter sweet.  Over the years I have seen this group of students grow and mature in faith and leadership. Now was the time for celebrating and sending them off. Below are two of the students who will be heading off to Geneva in the fall!

Mt. Osceola
Laura, Frisco, and I conquered the Osceola's via the Greenly and Mt. Osceola trail!  This trail being steeper and a bit longer is the less traveled path to the summits.  However, for those of you whole life in NH and enjoy hiking it was a very rewarding and beautiful trail.  We enjoyed lovely views down to Greenly Pond, North towards the Presidential range, and South toward the Sandwich Range.

We even managed to navigate the very steep Chimney section of the trail.  This hiked marked Frisco's 4th and 5th 4000 foot peaks!  

Haying
One thing I will greatly miss this summer is haying and gardening.  The teamwork and joy that comes through working the land must encourage us that we were made to be Stewards of Creation.  Fortunately the weather cooperated and I was able to join in the hard work for a few afternoons!