Foilage of Splendor at Rib Mountain

Where are the changing leaves of brilliant color and fall foliage?  Certainly not in Florida!  Lucky people of Rib Mountain are enjoying a beautiful array of changing colorings this fall.  A little history of Rib Mountain:  Many of the first people that lived on Rib Mountain were German. When the first settlers came, Rib Mountain was isolated from Wausau by the Wisconsin and Rib Rivers. Cow paths, wagon trails, and logging roads were the first roads in the township. Logging, mining, and farming were common activities early in the township's history.  Why did they name the mountain "Rib"? 

SOME MYTHS

Some people think Rib Mountain is an extinct volcano. as one approaches from the west or east along Highway 29, the cross section of the "rib" does indeed make the mountain appear to have the conical shape of a volcano.  Then again, some people believe Rib Mountain to be volcanic. They see the semi-circle of  three hills and believe that altogether they represent the fragmented remains of the base of a large volcanic mountain.  the Rib section is why it is called "Rib" Mountain.

"A Swinging Bridge" Over the Ravine

 

Unfortunately, there was nothing on the other side to make crossing this bridge exciting.  The creek was dried, no exotic plants or flowers; no visible wildlife, just drizzly rain drops and wetness and over grown vines that were starting to cover the rails.  If not maintained, there will not be an opportunity in the near future to walk across an old Floridian rustic swinging bridge at this park. 

Summerland Pastoral Fields - John Milton's "Lycidas"

 

  few photos of Summerland Park on the North Inlet Trail to Cascade Falls; I particular like seeing the horses grazing in the pasture. I don't have the language skills to write a pastoral elegy like John Milton.

I never hear anything about the work of the poet "John Milton" except in a University English classroom.  His writing style is of a highly educated man and far more sophisticated and elegant then writers today. He had a command of the English language and knew how to use words like a painter uses brush strokes to produce a brilliant effect.  Lycidas is a pastoral elegy which is why I thought about John Milton with the pastoral scene at Summerland Park.

Several verses from John Milton's "Lycidas" to stir the imagination:

"Thee Shepherd, thee the Woods, and desert Caves,
With wilde Thyme and the gadding Vine o'regrown,
And all their echoes mourn.
The Willows, and the Hazle Copses green,
Shall now no more be seen,
Fanning their joyous Leaves to thy soft layes.
As killing as the Canker to the Rose,
Or Taint-worm to the weanling Herds that graze,
Or Frost to Flowers, that their gay wardrop wear,
When first the White thorn blows;
Such, Lycidas, thy loss to Shepherds ear."

John Milton (Bewails a  friend, who drowned in his Passage
from Chester on the Irish Seas, 1637.)

A Wetland at Ravine Gardens

 

Ravine Gardens has detoriated over the years; it has become over grown but there was some opportunities for taking picturs of natural habitation.  It was raining and the ground was getting soaked. The ground was soddy in some places like a wetland.

Chipmuck to the Squirrel "Don't eat that Mushroom!"

I learn something new about friendly trail critters while hiking in the Rocky Mountains.  I saw a squirrel eating a white mushroom.  I just thought that was unusual but I guess acorns are hard to find when there are more pine trees than hardwood trees so edible mushrooms it is.  This squirrel had a large mushroom to carry.  I don't know how he will store it up for the winter.  Mushrooms rot once they are pulled. Chipmucks like candied dry fruit from trail mixes.  That also surprised me.

A Hill Walker's Soulful Spirit

 

Hillwalking is the outdoor activity I prefer.  Unfortunately, I live in Florida where there are no mountains and I have to travel 7-8 hour drive to get to the nearest one.  It is deep in  my soul to be a hill walker since I am of Cherokee Indian descendants.  My ancestors lived in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina.  When I walk the trails, I can feel 10,000 years of ancestral spirits stirring within my soul.  It is where I belong.

A Poet's Eye In the Lonely Sky

A Poet's Eye In the Lonely Sky

Sea Gull, 
soaring so high
no one inspires
wings of dreams
like you create 
painting the sky.

Clouds descend,

forming a haven
in the twilight;
the tips of your wings
catches the wind,
in poetic flight.

Searching for dreams,
in drifting tide;
Spreading your wings
in glimmering light;
A Poet's eye
In the lonely Sky.

By PL Fallin

"Yond Cassius Has a Lean and Hungry Look"

"Let me have men about me that are fat,
Sleek-headed men and such as sleep a-nights.
Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look,
He thinks too much; such men are dangerous."
Julius Caesar Act 1, scene 2, 190–195

Little Blue Crab, Why are you Climbing up that Tree?

Little Blue Crab, Why are you Climbing up that Tree?

Little Blue Crab,
Go back to the sea,
You are not a bird,
You do not belong in a tree,
Your eyes look so sad,
Did the tide wash you ashore?
You're in the marsh,
Hiding under the moss,
Why are you climbing up that tree?
I'm not going to touch,
Your claws are too sharp,
They're ready to snap,
Poor little fellow,
The sea is not up that tree!

By PL Fallin

Eating like an Mountaineer - Maggie Valley

It was a lonesome drive down the mountain roads to Maggie Valley.  One lone restaurant was opened with no cars in sight.  The food was very good and the rustic environment made it a very pleasant experience.  It over looked Sheepback Mountain and Soco Gap.  Come back ya"ll, you hear!  We will!

"Ring Around O' Rosies" A Poem of Darkness

Are the children Singing "Ring Around O'Rosies?"

The water fountain in Frankenmuth, Michigan are children dancing around a flag pole.  There is a popular poem that many of us as children would sing when we danced around a flag pole:

" Ring around the roses
pocket full of poses
atishoo, atishoo
we all fall down."

What is the dark truth that lies deep in the meaning of the poem?  What was I as a child singing?
It is about the plague that struck England in 15 Th century. Also referred to as 'Black Death" had almost killed 1/3 rd population of Europe.It also refers to many other diseases that hit Europe around the same time.  The ring around roses basically means the rat bites became cherry red in color,being the first sign of plague. It is also related to infectious diseases such as " Rubella". Rubella is German measles, it causes rashes, head aches , fever and discomfort. Pocket full of poses means, people being effected by plague would become patients of respiratory infection further leading to seizures. Further others symptoms of plague were were cold,abdominal pain, swelling of the lymph nodes, fever, chills, chest pain, headaches and weakness, that explain the "Atishoo".
 

Sitting on the Dock in the Rain

Sitting on the Dock in the Rain

Rain clouds gathering overhead,
Thunder roaring from the darkness,
Gusty winds stinging my face,
Walking as fast as I can
Down the cobblestone lanes,
Horse hitch wagons splashing puddles,
People flocking like larks,
Shaking off the raindrops,
No umbrellas to spare,
Sitting on the dock in the rain.

Rain fallin down in buckets,
Pouring down the planks,
Every bench drenching wet,
Stranded here for awhile,
On an island with no cover,
Dampness creeping into my shoes,
Sea gulls flying against the wind,
Squawking around every bend,
Sitting on the dock in the rain,
Hoping for the ferry to come in.

By PL Fallin

A Devil's Darning Needle - Riddles from the Pond

 

Blue Devil’s Darning Needle

Ruling over water and air,

In warmth and sunlight,
Flies like the light,
Twisting, turning, upward,
Downward without fright,
Colors of divine creation,
A Mystical dragon of yore,
A snake healer and
Carrier of dead souls,
A blue devil’s darning needle,
A vision within life,
To see your own light.

By PL Fallin
"Riddles from the Pond"

Hold My Hand In Remembrance

Hold My Hand at Dowdell's Knob

I came here often,
Sitting here alone,
I asked for no company,
Only quiet solitude,
Thinking about what to do.
The world was in chaos,
My power was great,
Decisions I had to make.
A heavy heart worn ed
From deciding men's fate.
My bones were weak,
My strength was fading
On a warm springs day,
Death came calling,
 And stopped at my gate.

Sitting here forever,
Smiling in quiet solitude.
As seasons change,
New generations are born,
They never knew me
or speak my name.
I have been waiting
For your company,
To share my history.
So young farm girl,
Who lived through the war,
Sit by me, hold my hand,
Share your memories,
Of days gone-by,
In remembrance of me.
On this pine mountain ridge.

(Dedicated to my mom)
By PL Fallin

Ojibawa Indian's Sacred White Rock

 

The White Rock was a  large limestone boulder about a half mile from the shore of Lake Huron. Over the years it has broken into many large chunks from centuries of frozen ice and storms. The White Rock was a sacred place to the Ojibawa Indians. Many ceremonies and special councils were held on this rock. They would use the boulder as a sacrificial altar to the Great Spirit, Gitchi Manitou; placing freshly killed game and other foods so that the Great Spirit could feast while no one was looking. In return, the Indians would be rewarded with success in their hunting, victory over their enemies, and protection in their canoes as they moved along the coast.

Delicate Butterfly, Why are you sitting on my knee?

Delicate butterfly
Why are you sitting on my knee?
Don't you have someplace to go?
A flower with sweet nectar,
Leaves on a lushly bush,
A breeze to sing you a song,
A delicate waltz in mid air,
Misty fountain to cool your wings.

Delicate butterfly
Why are you sitting on my knee?
We are both so still, so quiet,
No movement, like statues at a pond,
You don't make a sound,
Yet we hear noise all around,
I don't dare disturb
Or move your resting place,
Why do I enjoy your company so?

Delicate butterfly
Why are you sitting on my knee?
You are so graceful
Your touch is so light,
I feel peaceful and joy,
You selected me instead of a flower,
A special moment you grant me,
A treasury of splendor,
You have captured me!

By PL Fallin

Lake Irene Lover's Point

 

There was an overlook deck on the mountain side next to Lake Irene where affectional couples were having picnics.  The deck hangs over the lushful green meadows below.  The lake is shaped like one long heart touching the sky.  Through a lover's eyes, there are two heart shape points embracing at the end of the Lake and the clouds are kissing above.  I have been studying for an exam and my eye sight is strained but I swear I see two clouds kissing!

Father Moose and Flatlanders, East Inlet Trail

Some of the scenery from the East Inlet Trail hike toward Pine Lake.  It is rated as a moderate trail for us inexperience hikers with some steep climbs but nothing we could not handle.  Moose and deer were feeding along the trial and ignored us hikers.  A very large father Moose greeted us and completely ignored the chorus of awes around him.  Flatlanders are silly thought he!

East Inlet Trail, Adams Falls

East Inlet Trail was a beautiful hike with the trail leading to Adams Falls and continued following the creek with a view of Shadow Mountain in the south.  The trail goes east toward Mount Craig and
lone Pine Lake.  I did not walk the entire trail.  My Floridian legs were not in hikers shape to handle the lengthly hike.  One day, One day, hopefully next spring, I am working on it.

Colorado River in Kawuneeche Valley

 

We hike the Colorado River Trail and encountered Moose feeding in the valley.  There is a maze of other trails that spin off the Colorado River but the day was very hot.  Next time I plan to continue the hike to Red Mountain. In the Kawuneeche Valley the Colorado River is not very wide and the waters flow slowly but it provides the wildlife cool water and quenches their thirst on hot summer days.  

Big Meadows at Tonahutu Creek - An American Shire

I hiked the Green Mountain Trail up to Tonahutu Creek that led to Big Meadows.  Big Meadows has the most wild life of elk, deers, moose and other wildlife in the Rockies. Tonahutu Creek runs through Big Meadows and it was very flourishing and grassy with peaceful and serene surroundings.  It is the perfect setting for a Shire so I kept looking for American Hobbits on the hillside.  Did not find a single one!  Made friends with several friendly chipmucks.  I guess that will have to do.

Witches Point on Smoky Mountains

It was a very misty, cloudy and rainy day on top of the Smoky Mountains.  It was difficult to see the mountain range.  Witches Overlook was a perfect place to stop to see the misty mountains below.  There was no smoke in the mountains on this day.  Misty rain was all around.

Witches Brew

On Misty Mountain
High in the clouds,
Bare trees, broken limbs,
Hanging purple sky,
Gusty winds,
Rushing waters below,
Cold, chilled bones,
Drizzling rain
Heavy Dew
Shadows all around,
A Witches brew.

By PL Fallin

Beorn, Creature of the Night

Beorn, creature of the night,
Your path is far and wide,
Some say you growl with the tongue of bears,
Born from the ancient bears of the mountains,
Thriving on milk and wild honey,
Did you come from the Misty Mountains?
Do you hear your ancient people cries?
Friend nor foe have you,
Part man, Part bear
I hear the rustling of leaves,
Whistling voices in the wind,
I see you running through the darkness,
I dare not move but stand still like the trees,
You sit alone above the clouds,
Nightfall after nightfall,
Watching the moonlight sink,
Beyond the mountains silhouette,
Waiting to reclaim your ancient home.

By PL Fallin

Mountain Chipmucks and Trail Mix at Cascade Falls

 

 I am becoming a hill walker.  Did a 6.8 mile round trip hike to Cascade Falls and there were some very steep spots on the way.  It was very rocky and certainty lived up to its name.  Above the falls was a large boulder where we enjoyed snacking with the chipmucks.  They had no fear and were unusually friendly begging for trail mix. I cannot get the chipmucks at home, who live in tame surroundings to come near me. I guess I need to be feeding them trail mix.

 

River of Muddy Blue Waters

River of Muddy Blue Waters

River of muddy blue waters,
With mysteries deep and wide,
Many a tale of folk lore,
Of Ships stranded and lost in the tide.
Oh River, I love you just the same,
I see your moonlight ripples,
Glistening in the rain.

Flowing past time like a wanderer,
Winding your way with no rest,
Through forest, hills, and meadows,
Twistin, turnin each bend
Headed for far-away shores.
Whether in rain or sunshine,
Oh River, I love you just the same,
I want to make you mine.

The muddy blue waters are swift,
Flowing over rocks and cliffs,
Washing away lowly creatures,
Carrying away their treasures.
What lays at your bottom floor?
Oh River, I love you just the same,
Sailing alone to seafaring shores.

By PL Fallin

Images of Tahquamenon River

The Clinging Tree

The Clinging Tree

Along the mountain trail
The living waters Flow
Gushing, Streaming,
Over the Rocks and Stones
Into the Big Meadows below.

Lingering on the River Bank
A Tree Sits all Alone
Beneath her stretched-out limbs,
Her Roots were matted In the Air
Twisted and Turning, Clinging
To the earth’s damp floor.

Twinges of pain in her path
Above my head vultures circle
Below my feet, dampness,
Mud, and thistles,
A full moon glows in the night,
I stood beneath her shadows
Staring at the tree’s desperate plight.

Through scars and pain she wept,
No protective mother’s coat,
Too many footsteps traveled this path,
Pity I felt for the Clinging Tree
Reaching out so desperately,
Grasping the earth’s muddy floor,
Surviving her fate at Nature’s door.

By PL Fallin

The Stone-Giants Guffawing at Me

 

Driving on sharped, curved roads up 14,110 ft above sea level tested my courage. I found out, I had none!  It was a good thing I was not the driver since I could no longer look out across the mountain range once we were above the tree line.  Seeing cracked  and broken rocks and stones, overhanging rocks with no protection from falling, blistering winds, a 40 degree drop in temperature, no wildlife except the occasional eagle flying overhead, I placed my hands across my eyes and refuse to look.  I could hear the Stone-Giants guffawing at me as the wind chilled my bones.  I kept saying over and over, I would rather climb on foot then be in a flimsy vehicle that the elements could destroy with the first strong blast of wind, lightening, and thunder.   At least I could cling to rocks with my arms if needed. It was much easier coming down; I guess it was more psychological then dangerous but then again, a few weeks earlier a man died from driving off the mountain road and his vechicle crashed over the rocky cliffs and mountain side.  I will never do this again :)