Posts in "Photos"

The forest is at peak fern this time of year. There are hay-scented ferns as far as you can see (which, admittedly, isn’t very far in the forest).

A huge swath of ferns in the forest

This is a native species double feature from today’s hike: a tulip poplar flower that landed in hay-scented ferns along the trail. The late morning light was just perfect.

Tulip poplar flower sitting in hay scented fern

A new red maple poking out, one of so many I saw on my hike. I’m going to keep tabs on this particular one to see how it fares. Another native species.

Bright green leaves of a new red maple contrast with the surrounding brown fallen leaves on a forest floor.

Here is some yellow star grass I came across in the mountains of Maryland. Along with the mountain laurel I shared yesterday, this is another species native to the United States. I think I’m finding a new hiking hobby: document at least one native species each hike.

Yellow star grass.

Cleaning out the attic. Why do I still have this? Behold the Toshiba T3400CT from 1994: i486SX-33 microprocessor, 120 MB storage, 4 MB RAM, a Megahertz 14,400 bps Fax Modem in the PCMCIA slot, and 640x480 color LCD (which was a big deal at the time). Ah, the memories.

A vintage Toshiba laptop in my workshop

The mountain laurels are blooming early this year in the Maryland mountains.

White and pink flowers on mountain laurel in the Catoctin mountains, Frederick, Maryland

Beautiful evening in the mountains near Frederick, Maryland. I intended to hike, but decided to break out the 4-foot Tenkara rod I always pack along just in case. Tonight, only caught a few trees and bushes, but it was lovely. Great water levels and cool temperatures, such a nice time of year.

Tenkara fishing on small stream in Catoctin Mountains, Maryland

Hiking in the Catoctin mountains after heavy rains really drives home why this area is called the Frederick City Watershed. Temporary waterfalls are everywhere.

A view of heavy runoff in Frederick, Maryland, municipal forest in Catoctin mountains

Spring is the best time to hike in the mountains. Here’s a Shagbark hickory coming to life on a rainy, cold day.

New leaves are unfolding on a tree branch in a forest with bare trees in the background.

Did some hiking this evening and a few casts in a small, spring-fed creek that’s home to some small, spring-fed brook trout. Glad we still have brookies in Frederick County, Maryland — and just look at how clear that water is.

A mountain stream called Clifford Branch, Catoctin Mountains, Frederick County, Maryland