river walk

A portion of the property at Melrose borders the Savannah River. We rarely trek to that boundary because until recently there has not been easy access to it. A roadway leads to a creek over which a bridge span had been built years ago, and which had been recently fortified. Traditionally that has been the end of the touring line, whether one arrives there by car or foot (roughly two and a half miles from the cottage--downhill all the way!). Tromping through the woods from the bridge to the river was always a possibility, but swarming and slithering critters populate the habitat--never my idea of fun companionship. I would not make it past the first round of any "Survivor" contest.

Because there IS access to the river now (that's a story and a half), Sunday morning we ventured there with Ken's sister Margaret, who visited with us for part of the family reunion weekend. We drove to the bridge and covered the rest of the distance on foot. An ATV would have worked nicely as well. Here are a few of the "views" on our walk...

The woods through which we passed

The Savannah River

Along our path we encountered evidence of woodpecker activity, as well as the mystery of five turtle shells missing most of their innards. They were near the confluence of the river and the creek that runs through the property, obviously having met their fate at the jaws of a predator that we were stumped to identify (turtles 'r' not us). We have no idea how long they had been there (likewise we don't read forensic evidence), but they appeared to serve as attractive landing pads for butterflies.

We saw, additionally, blue herons along the creek, and too many snake holes for my comfort, as well as what looked like frog "dens." The sound of birds was soothing, and in spite of increasing humidity through the day a constant breeze kept the walk pleasant.

To reach the creek, not to mention other portions of the property, we cross a railroad line, and while on our sojourn heard the warning whistle of scheduled trains as they approached that crossing. It was a journey of sights and sounds, of wind and water, spring growth and the decomposing evidence of seasons past. We saw life and encountered the signs of death, cycles all of the world in which we live. It is part of the joy of Melrose to witness and celebrate all that awaits discovery. We are a lucky family, indeed.