Autumn comes to the Madagascal

johngregsite Posted on by

image madagascal stream
Kayla looks out from Pete & Marilyn’s dock

This past weekend we journeyed north beyond the electro-mechanical networks to spend some quiet time in the north woods. The leaves are turning nicely, as you can see on the Madagascal Stream, and there is still water flowing (but drought conditions persist everywhere here).

Pete & I went for a canoe ride upstream to sample more of the scenery. We discovered that Kayla is not ready for canoe rides. Her concept of balance and keeping her nose and paws within the confines of the vessel need adjusting.

This year, the reds are very prominent and make for spectacular scenes (thanks to the dry conditions, we are guessing).

Fall equinox

johngregsite Posted on by
Image fall leaves

The days are just as long as the nights. The drought persists, as does the coronia. We may have dropped below 32F temperature the other night for the first time since April or so.

I count 190 days since my retirement into the world of the covidians. Maine is really doing well in this regard (our CDC said our “positivity” rate for the virus is like 0.5 [not .005]%; the national average is over 5%).

The weather has been unique. A stunning lack of rain has resulted in extraordinarily dry streams and small ponds. Streams that have never stopped flowing with water in the past are dry. Not just moist. Dry. No moisture at all. The lack of available water has resulted in an unbelievable lack of mosquitoes and ticks. There seems to be fewer birds and the flowering plants have smaller buds, in many cases. The forests are, however, richly green and full of plants. It is as if the grasses and undergrowth have soaked up all the remaining water. Unique and strange.