Tag Archives: River

Gretchen, her sycamore, and the dogs 2026-08-06

Gretchen’s favorite tree.

[Gretchen, Sycamore, Sky, Blondie, River, Honeybun]
Gretchen, Sycamore, Sky, Blondie, River, Honeybun

We transplanted that tree when it was knee-high to Gretchen.

Thanks to Ben Fields for clearing the old road so we can get there more easily. Continue reading

River emerging from the grapes 2026-06-11

Like Venus emerging from sea foam….

[River emerging from the grapes]
River emerging from the grapes

River Dog emerging from the grapes.

These native muscadine vines, Vitis rotundifolia, are growing on what we call wood henge, which is wires along wood posts.

-jsq

Timber Rattler 2026-05-19

Snake of the week.

[Canebrake Rattlesnake]
Canebrake Rattlesnake

This Crotalus horridus was minding its own business, but it was in a woods path I was cruising with the golf cart.

For once, all four dogs listened and left it alone.

So they’re fine, and the snake eventually crawled off into the undergrowth.

-jsq

Wild Azalea, Cinnamon Fern, Tulip Trees 2026-04-02

A stroll after breakfast into the Desolation of Helene.

[Wild Azaleas]
Wild Azaleas

I didn’t video many of the blown-down pines, oaks, maples, etc. Some of them I will saw later to re-open some of the paths. Hurricanes: I do not like them.

Meanwhile, there are native wild azaleas, sphagmum moss, crawfish, cinnamon fern, and a few still-standing tulip trees.

Plus muddy dogs, two of them visible; the other two showed up shortly. Continue reading

Burning five acres 2026-01-06

Thanks to Max Barzallo and Mary Clement for helping burn five acres around the house. And of course thanks to Honeybun, Blondie, River, and Sky for helping.

Now if another fire gets loose, it won’t burn to the house.

[Burning five acres, Pine fire forest 2026-01-06, With neighbor help, and dogs]
Burning five acres, Pine fire forest 2026-01-06, With neighbor help, and dogs

Here’s some video:

https://www.facebook.com/reel/1644259806439943/

https://youtu.be/l3fZ-Adr_3I

For those who are not familiar with prescribed burns, we live in a longleaf fire forest. Southern pine trees are fire resistant, so burns don’t affect them much, but the fire does cut back on vines and other undergrowth, as well as competing oaks, sweetgum, and other trees.

Wildlife benefits. Continue reading