7/6/13 City Forest

The oppressive  heat and humidity continue. Low 90's predicted again today so we got our two hours in early at the forest. There were a few other people and dogs for Kelley to greet and lots of water for her to cool off. The deer flies were the biggest problem for her. I have some sticky strips that trap them and they don't usually bother her too much but today they were after her and I was continually having to get them off her face.  It seems to bother me more than it does her- it bothers me a lot.

Damselfly

Milkweed

Red clover

This poor thing was rather beat up and one wonders how it manages to still fly

There were a lot of  dragonflies with this pattern

Bug love

This tiny butterfly ( less than an inch high) would not let me get a good angle to get it's wings in focus

Wild Columbine

7/5/13 Partridge and Ducktail Ponds

Hot again so we got an early start and were on the trail by 8:15 for a two hour hike. A friend who had not been to the ponds went with us and Kelley liked that. We were surprised to meet no one and that both camp sites were unused.

Waiting for us

and in Ducktail which we went to first.

A pano of  Partridge-- please click for large image







On the way back we stopped at Fitts Pond  for one more swim and then Kelley wanted to explore the trail that follows the pond and we did a bit of that. Upper 80's at this point and time to find a cool place to settle down.

7/4/13 Stillwater River Trail

Very hot here so we are doing short walks in the early part of the day and chose places with water for Kelley. This morning we did the Stillwater River Trail . Kelley found several places she could get into the river.

7/3/13 City Forest

Sun! And now I can complain about the heat. Showers forecast but did not materialize - rest of the week has highs about 90 forecast so we will do short hikes close to home. Today wasn't bad as we got an early start and got in two hours before eleven.

One last swim before we head up the hill to the car.

7/2/13 Bangor

Yet another rainy day. During a break we walked around town with a friend. Talking with her so I only took a couple of pictures.

Browneyed Susan

and one I don't know

7/1/13 Newman Hill

Rain predicted again. Yesterday afternoon ( after our morning hike) we took a walk along the Kendukeag with a friend and Kelley was less enthusiastic than usual. I didn't know if she was just tired or the heat and humidity were getting to her so decide we would do a short easy one this morning- with water.

We just did some of the gravel road and  old  rail bed. Lots of insects and butterflies around but my camera quit on me- forgot to change the battery this morning.

Boulder Pond

Canada Geese on Boulder Pond

6/30/13 City Forest

Rain predicted but we got in an hour and three quarters without rain ( it never did rain) . We only saw one other person and the deer flies have become really annoying.

The grass in the meadow above the beaver pond has become quite high

A nice reflection in the pond

The rain has left numerous small pools for Kelley to take advantage of

A good day for bugs