Teale series Through the Year

Trail Wood 2.09 Earl Plato

It’s over two years that we walked the paths of Trail Wood,
the nature home of Edwin Teale, nature writer Pulitzer Prize winner. We were there in eastern central Connecticut on a beautiful summer day. I had read over and over his Walk Through the Year and now in a series of articles I want to share some of Teale’s observations. I quote the following:
“ Seven paths lead away from the white cottage with black shutters under the hickory trees. With its pegged beams and great blocks of foundation stone it stands on its knoll above the flow of Hampton Brook unchanged by blizzard and hurricane. A hundred and seventy years have passed since the first fire was kindled in the great fireplace in the living room. How many drifting summer clouds have passed above it; how many winter winter winds have pounded it; how many meadow flowers have bloomed and laded around it; how many times has it seen the year of the seasons complete its circle and begin again!”
Writer’s note: We stood in the cottage that day and peered at the great stone crafted fireplace Teal and his wife Nellie had photos on its mantle. Here in January, 2009 I still can recall that scene. Sweet memories, eh.