Trail Wood4

Trail Wood4.09 by Earl Plato

Writer’s Note: I have visited David Thoreau’s Walden Pond and cabin on three occasions over 40 years, Sadly from my first visit there in 1953 I have seen that pristine area disappear. New buildings decimate the Thoreau site now. Here’s some of Teale’s reflections on Trail Wood. He referred to Thoreau, the great naturalist.
“Henry David Thoreau thought that it would be pleasant to write the history of one hillside for one year. It has been pleasant to record our daily walks, reliving the events of the shifting seasons on this uneven land set amid these tranquil hills. … The pages of this book ( A Walk Through the Year) record that part of our lives when we were free to wander as we desired in the out-of-doors on Trail Wood paths.”
Here is part of his February 21st entry. “ One month until spring! But spring seems all around us as Nellie and I follow the narrow path beside Hampton Brook on this day of temporary thaw. Our booted feet splash through puddles and slush. Beneath us the water of melted snow rushes down the stream. Daily now the sun rides a little higher. Daily its rays are a little more direct.
Coming from near and far we hear the clear calls of cardinals and titmice. To right and left and overhead chickadees repeat their clear, whistled ‘Phee-beee” notes.
… assurance - the “spring soon” call of the waning period of winter.