The owls were what they seemed

At 4 o'clock this morning I got up to use the bathroom. Scratching my side I noticed a small bump. Instantly I recognized it as a tick. My best guess is that it somehow survived my searches after my trip up north last weekend. Where had it lay hidden? Or was this a local vermin?

There were a lot of ticks up in Jackson County and the trip made me realize that I need to practice applying Deet. On the plus side, the mosquitos were held at bay and I enjoyed fine company and great scenery.

Arriving before our campsites were available, I took a stroll in the Black River Forest. I had unknowingly chosen a trail that had recently had controlled burns.

These stretches had a Dante vibe and I felt like I would run into a group of unbaptized pagans at any second. 

However, the areas spared the purifying flames were gorgeous.

Once at the campground, we pitched our tents and started a fire. 

Despite a chance of rain in the forecast, the evening was lovely and dry. We chatted the night away as the beer flowed freely.

The next morning was gorgeous despite a slight haze in the air from those Canadian wildfires. 

 

 

I was up early and so, while everyone else slept, I went for a walk. The forest was quiet and still outside of a deer just off the road that quickly scampered away at the sight of the human. When I got back into camp, folks were rising and coffee was needed.

 

 

A few of us walked down the short nature trail whose trailhead was at the east end of the campground. It was lovely as most of it followed the Black River.

This day's hike would be out at Wazee Lake. We ran into a snake enjoying the sun.

After traipsing the trails, the ladies went for a swim while we men went to the scenic lookouts.

 

It was another beer-soaked night around the campfire. Lying in my tent in the wee hours, I heard two owls having a hooting match. What a wonderful serenade to deliver me into the arms of Morpheus. The next morning was again just gorgeous. The trip came to an end all-too soon.