A nearby oasis of nature
A number of weeks ago, before we were locked into the winter white, I took a Sunday stroll through the nearby Falmouth Nature Preserve, a sweet hundred acres of nature just off Route 88 in Falmouth.
FNP is one of my favorite places to walk, but it had been some time since I'd been out there, so a visit was in order.
Over several hours I walked nearly every foot of the five trails that criss-cross the preserve, and lead through lovely mixed wood forests, down into dark hollows and along the placid tidal Mill Creek.
I never fail to emerge from these woods without a smile and a good feeling inside. This trip was no different. It's just a real soothing place.
Sorry I didn't share these photos with you sooner, but, well, it's been a busy time.
The next time you have a few hours to spare and want to get a pleasant walk in and don't want to drive too far from the city, try the Falmouth Nature Preserve. Whether you're on foot, snowshoes or skis, I know you'll enjoy it!
Trail map of the Falmouth Nature Preserve.
Amid the conifers on the Red Trail.
Creeklet deep in the forest.
Under a dark canopy of hemlocks on the White Trail.
Along the banks of Mill Creek.
At a bend in Mill Creek on the Yellow Trail.
Placid Mill Creek.
The Orange Trail passes over a soft carpet of pine needles.
Remnants of another time in the life of this land.
A plaything only mountain bikers could love.
The sweet scent of apples decaying on the forest floor.
Nearing the car and the end of a fine walk.
Care to share your favorite local walk?
FNP is indeed a jewel that I discovered quite by accident one day while driving along Route 88 with my dog in the back seat of my car. The dirt road and black and white FNP sign caught my eye and I turned in, riding over the short, bumpy access road. To my great pleasure it was a place open to the public and my canine pal. She and have spent many a wonderful hour there in all seasons since that day a few years ago. The ferns, the pine grove, the creek (once seen just simply teaming with small fish) and all the other features on the various trails lend their own special touches to this small oasis near "the city". Thank you FNP.
We're lucky there are several areas large(r)(are they ever large enough?) and small in and around Portland preserved by the likes of Portland Trails, other land trusts and generous benefactors (Stroadwater Trail, Presumpscott Preserve, Robinson's Woods, Pratt's Brook, Trout Brook Trail). All among my favoite places to get outside locally.
Posted by Baby Cat
January 16, 2006 12:21 PM
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