Tag: Southford Falls Southbury CT

  • Look Out Any Window

    Look Out Any Window

    I woke today before 6 am and walked around the yard. The alarm didn’t wake me, the sun told me it was time to greet the day.

    I saw a hummingbird gathering itself on the arbor, as it does every morning at sunrise. The hummingbird wraps its feet around the wire on the top right-hand side.

    hummingbird feeder on arbor

    A raven I’ve been watching, and who’s been watching me, sat on the power line surveying his territory. I took this picture of him a couple of years ago flying with a peanut. The raven is in the center of the picture.

    Raven Flying Through Yard

    The world was fresh after thunderstorms last night.

    As I was thinking about the day I heard Bruce Hornsby singing “Look Out any Window.” If you haven’t heard the song it’s worth a listen.

    A few years ago, I spent a lot of time going for long walks in the forest. I believe some people call it hiking but it sure feels like going for a walk in the woods.

    I’d like to share a few pictures as I continue looking out any window.

    I discovered the upper block of the Paugussett State Forest that year and recommend it to anyone who enjoys hiking or being in nature. I spent hours exploring the forest and learning where the trails lead.

    The highlight of that summer was when I packed a lunch, some water and snacks and hiked the entire Lillinonah Trail. I didn’t hike for speed, I hiked for the enjoyment of being in nature.

    Lillinonah Trail Sign Newtown CT

    That day I stumbled on a tree covered with moss and red fungus. I’ve never seen fungus that red before or after that day.

    Mushrooms Growing on Lillinonah Trail Newtown CT

    I hiked Southford Falls several times that summer. The trail that goes along Papermill Pond is a pleasant walk up. The trail along Eightmile Brook is almost straight up near the end and I avoid climbing that way.

    While walking in Southford Falls I stumbled upon these cards. It didn’t feel right to take them as I thought others might enjoy them, so I took a picture. I was at a low point and want to thank whoever left these cards in the forest.

    Soputhford Falls Hope and Dream

    Perhaps I took the advice written on the cards.

    I’ve been working toward finding work that allows me to be more creative and sharing my passion for gardening, landscaping and nature.

    I’m not a fan of graffiti, however, I read this at the top of the fire tower and it reminded me of the trials and tribulations of young love. Click on the image to open, use the back arrow to return to the post.

    Southford Falls Fire Tower Graffiti

    Matt, I hope they saw how special you are and reciprocated your affection. However, please understand you can’t make someone love you, and sometimes you have to let go to move forward.

    I’m saying this because I wish someone said the same to me when I was your age, or perhaps someone did and I chose not to listen.

    Have patience, give it time and you’ll find the right person.

    Thank you for looking out any window with me.

    Minnie Looking Out Window
  • Ponds, Streams and Rivers of Connecticut

    Ponds, Streams and Rivers of Connecticut

    I enjoy being around ponds, streams and rivers in Connecticut. I find them very calming. Below are some photos I’ve taken through the years.

    I hope you enjoy them.

    Bartlett Arboretum Stream Stamford CT

    I took this photo a couple of weeks ago. Since this is a blog about landscaping I’ll point out that the yellow flowers closest to the camera are spicebush (Lindera benzoin). The Bartlett Arboretum is rarely crowded and a great place to collect your thoughts or learn about plants.

    Bartlett Arboretum Stream Stamford CT

    Halfway River Newtown CT

    If you need a quiet place to think there is no better. Wear shoes with good tread, it’s a downhill walk to the river with some mud at the bottom. Halfway River Open Space Preserve has some traffic noise but the views are worth it.

    Halfway River Newtown CT

    Covered Bridge Southford Falls Southbury CT

    Southford Falls is a fun park with a moderate climb to a fire tower. If you’re climbing to the fire tower the ‘easier’ climb is found by walking past the pavilion. Going over the covered bridge will get you to the fire tower but the middle of the hike is almost straight up. Here is the Southford Falls Trail Map.

    Covered Bridge Southford Falls Southbury CT

    Housatonic River Upper Paugussett State Forest Newtown CT

    Every time I hike the Upper Paugussett State Forest I’m amazed at how far from civilization I feel while being so close to civilization. This park has an ‘easier’ trail through the middle with plenty of more, or less, challenging trails around the perimeter. The river you’re looking at is the Housatonic River.

    Housatonic River Upper Paugussett State Forest Newtown CT

    Warner Pond Newtown CT

    I tried to find the state forest this pond is in but had no luck. I did find Elia Kazan’s obituary which explains the piece of property. This view of the pond is gorgeous.

    Warner Pond Newtown CT 1920x1080

    Lilypads Oxford CT

    While driving down a small road in Oxford, CT I saw this view. I brought my camera the next day. Such a beautiful place.

    Lilypads Oxford CT 1920x1080

    I hope you enjoyed seeing some of the ponds, streams and rivers of Connecticut.