What a gift to see the delicate white flowers of the mountain laurel in full bloom along the trails at Lake Minnewaska. The ecology here is different than other places. As the water is too acidic for certain fish, one finds an abundance of fireflies, salamanders, and snakes.
The kick-off to their swimming season begins tomorrow, so we had to be extra careful without a lifeguard. The good news is that we had the entire beach to ourselves, except for a painter perched on the rocks behind us and several bicyclers, hikers and dogs. I had forgotten that the beach consists mainly of small stones, so we needed to keep our shoes on, even in the water. Luckily, Alan and I both had sandals. The water was warmer than expected.
Our small group consisted of Nino (3) and his mother, Ivan (3) and his parents, and Alan (2). Each boy approached the lake differently. Nino, wearing his orange block floaties around his waist, plunged right in, eager for his mom to join him. Ivan played in the water with his dad at waist level, with a tiny boat singing songs. Alan was more guarded, staying closer to the edge where he would fill and empty the red bucket. He was more interested in making music with sticks and rocks and exploring the woods. I took him on a short walk down a path and had him feel the thick moss from under a tree.
While walking on the docks, I spotted a very large snake swimming behind Ivan's dad. It looked brownish, not unlike the water moccasin we found last year, so I couldn’t determine if it was poisonous. I calmly ushered the small group out of the water, mouthing the word “snake” so as to not create a panic. We spent the next few moments on the dock trying to find the snake to show the children.
Later, we found a much smaller snake swimming across the water which excited all of us. When I pointed out a salamander, a brave child plunked his hand into the water and caught it. As a group of us gathered around to see, I heard his mother whisper to him that he should return it to its home.
We packed up shortly after lunch, and slowly meandered back to our cars. I jokingly boasted how I was responsible for the grass at the top of the hill. (AmeriCorps students re-seeded the grass as part of a community service project). I certainly can’t take credit for everything else. Within Lake Minnewaska’s majestic surrounding, I found myself appreciating its simple beauty. Is mountain laurel an evergreen? What side of a tree does moss grow on? Are brown snakes poisonous?
Thank you for a memorable day!
The kick-off to their swimming season begins tomorrow, so we had to be extra careful without a lifeguard. The good news is that we had the entire beach to ourselves, except for a painter perched on the rocks behind us and several bicyclers, hikers and dogs. I had forgotten that the beach consists mainly of small stones, so we needed to keep our shoes on, even in the water. Luckily, Alan and I both had sandals. The water was warmer than expected.
Our small group consisted of Nino (3) and his mother, Ivan (3) and his parents, and Alan (2). Each boy approached the lake differently. Nino, wearing his orange block floaties around his waist, plunged right in, eager for his mom to join him. Ivan played in the water with his dad at waist level, with a tiny boat singing songs. Alan was more guarded, staying closer to the edge where he would fill and empty the red bucket. He was more interested in making music with sticks and rocks and exploring the woods. I took him on a short walk down a path and had him feel the thick moss from under a tree.
While walking on the docks, I spotted a very large snake swimming behind Ivan's dad. It looked brownish, not unlike the water moccasin we found last year, so I couldn’t determine if it was poisonous. I calmly ushered the small group out of the water, mouthing the word “snake” so as to not create a panic. We spent the next few moments on the dock trying to find the snake to show the children.
Later, we found a much smaller snake swimming across the water which excited all of us. When I pointed out a salamander, a brave child plunked his hand into the water and caught it. As a group of us gathered around to see, I heard his mother whisper to him that he should return it to its home.
We packed up shortly after lunch, and slowly meandered back to our cars. I jokingly boasted how I was responsible for the grass at the top of the hill. (AmeriCorps students re-seeded the grass as part of a community service project). I certainly can’t take credit for everything else. Within Lake Minnewaska’s majestic surrounding, I found myself appreciating its simple beauty. Is mountain laurel an evergreen? What side of a tree does moss grow on? Are brown snakes poisonous?
Thank you for a memorable day!
Postscript: Melanie took photos of the boys in the water. As soon as they become available, I will post.
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