Another Day at the Swamp, May 26, 2011

A quick stop at Califon Eye Associates for an eye exam before picking up Dad.

Califon Eye Associates

Then off to Chelsea. We checked Dad’s weight with Vicki before grabbing a cup of coffee and sitting outside next to the newly planted vegetable garden. I did a quick sketch of Dad using my new Ciao Copic Markers. I’m experimenting with markers because they dry immediately unlike ink and watercolor. The results so far are not too exciting.

Dad with his portrait

Dad insisted on taking a photo of the artist.

Artist wearing Beetlejuice Blouse

We returned to Lord Stirling Park. Our mission was to photograph the areas that are fenced in to prevent the deer from browsing as well as the browsed areas. Our neighbor, Celia, is writing an article in a deer magazine.

Preserving the Forest

We began our adventure in the herb garden. Dad rolled up his pants, wishing he had worn shorts. The day had already turned hot and muggy.

Getting comfortable

Dad peeled the orange to eat along with the cheese sandwiches.

Dad peeling the orange

I sketched a bit as Dad examined the plants. He was particularly interested in the horsetail plants

Horsetail plants

“I was around a lot of horsetails when I was a boy!”

A different variety of horsetail plants

Before heading into the swamp we collaborated on a page in my sketchbook. I drew the garden and Dad wrote a poem. I was so happy that he enjoyed writing again and that he wrote a whole poem!

Father Daughter collaboration

I have written the poem out on my other blog. Here is a link to that entry: Dad’s poem.

Off into swamp we tromped. At the meadow Dad told me about the day his mother suggested Dad get the 12 gauge rifle and join her to hunt pheasant in the swamp on the farm. Dad was in high school at the time and was pleased that his mother suggested a nice outing together, just the two of them. As they approached the swamp they saw two pheasants coming out of the tall grass. The pheasants took flight, Dad raised the rifle and shot, successfully bringing down one of the pheasants. They had pheasant for dinner that evening.

the swamp

Along the path, Dad found what we believe to be a turkey track.

Turkey Track

We took the photographs for Celia.

Protected saplings

We found two fenced off areas. The rest of the swamp had been over-browsed by the deer.

No saplings

Though we made it further into the swamp today than we did last week, we still turned back early due to fatigue and mosquitos. Before heading back to Chelsea we took a nice long rest at the information center, relaxing in a room filled with beautiful specimen of insects, butterflies and moths.

Unidentified Beetle

I wish I had my ink and dip pen. I didn’t do this beetle justice with my Ciao Copic Markers.

Well rested, we returned to Chelsea.

I remembered to call Dad this evening to remind him that the Ice Cream Social was in progress. He assured me he would head right up to join the crowd.

Another good day with Dad!