Jim Stahr has a Different Year

 Looking North from West Thompson Dam . Oct. 2015 using a 28mm lens. February 2015 with a 40mm lens.  Same dates and lenses, respectively, looking South. My scenic shots should become more consistent, as I've found this 28mm lens captures a scenes color and breadth as I see it. My telephoto lenses are quickly becoming dust collectors. 

 Pics from a short walk around Cat's Hollow Park.

 Norwich, CT historian Dale Plummer guided us   on a Walktober tour of the Little Green Plains area today.  He pointed to interesting details in local architecture   and history .  The similarities of a Victorian Housing Development  were perhaps more striking than the differences. The Three Rivers that join in The Rose of New England ripple throughout  The Last Green Valley .

 Though I've climbed to Ross Cliff several times,  today is the first I've gone to Ross Pond boat launch .  It allows one to get close up to the pieces that make the cliff's view so captivating. Getting immersed in the surroundings  shows what make those pieces.

 Today's walk started at the Norwich Heritage Center .  It was the combined effort of The Last Green Valley , Norwich Free Academy , and the Slater Memorial Museum .  The hosts did there best to educate me on how the area was the center of secondary education in the area.  Sadly, I was as distracted by the surrounding beauty  and stunning views as when I was in high school.  New acquaintances were made.    A hidden meadow was revealed in the middle of this well developed neighborhood.  The secret path led us to 19th century graveyards  where again, history was explained  while I was distracted.  This was no fault of the presenters, only my wandering eye. It was an excellent day for a walk. 

Ranger Bill prepares the hikers.  I went hiking earlier than normal so I could join The Last Green Valley 's guided tour.  About 50 hikers showed. Though I've hiked this path several times, the Walktober guides are always informational, and this walk was no exception.  It is a steep ascent.  Where there are no rocks in the trail there are tree roots and slippery leaves; sure footing is needed.  But the climb is not nearly as breathtaking as the views. When one reaches Ross Cliff ,   the respite needed before heading back  is gratifying.

 For all the excitement of the golden hour , I've personally found that the hour AFTER sunset is my favorite light.   Though I'm way too lazy to see the sunrise, this realization is forcing me into the darkness later and later at night .   Since my days as a fantail watch I have been amazed at how well the stars illuminate an unpolluted sky. I'm very happy that I've found a place to revive this peaceful knowledge.

Brooklyn, Connecticut, that is. The UUSB and TLGV sponsored a walk with speaker Dennis Landis  presenting his popular "Ghosts of the Brooklyn Green" program.  All ages  and some species attended. It started in the Unitarian Meetinghouse where Samuel May defended Prudence Crandall and Celia Burleigh was ordained. Brooklyn, CT Town Hall  in the background. We continued to the Church's Green  past the town green , behind Brooklyn's Town Hall where we could view the new Trinity Church . Dennis narrated the yore of the green,  Looking towards the  Israel Putnam Statue. the history of Israel Putnam , and stories, real and imagined  of the surrounding buildings. x