Green Lane Reservoir, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania

Saturday was a hot and humid day for a hike around Green Lane Reservoir, in Montgomery County. The forecast called for rain, but not a drop fell from the sky during our hike. They day was hot and sunny, so we were careful to stay hydrated, and those moments when the trail meandered through wooded areas were a welcome relief.

We stopped for lunch by the reservoir.

The picnic tables were in the shade.

Sunny skies despite the weather forecast.

We had views of the reservoir from most parts of the trail.

Afterwards we stopped for gallons of iced tea and delicious sandwiches. I ordered a vegan portabella spinach sandwich on a crusty roll with some fresh cut french fries. A welcome treat!

Just a Little Walk in the Woods, Henry's Woods at Jacobsburg State Park

I found this quote from Rachel Carson in her beautiful book "The Sense of Wonder" and I longed to be out in the woods today:

Those who dwell, as scientists or laymen, among the beauties and mysteries of the earth are never alone or weary of life. Whatever vexations or concerns of their personal lives, their thoughts can find paths that lead to inner contentment and to renewed excitement in living. Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is symbolic as well as actual beauty in the migration of the birds, the ebb and flow of the tides, the folded bud ready for the spring. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature - the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after the winter.

Late afternoon sunlight coming through a grove of hemlocks in Henry's Woods.

I love the sound of water bubbling over rocks, don't you?

The beauty is in the details...

Serenity...

I enjoyed these beautiful reflections while listening to the melodious notes of wood thrush calling to each other, and the occasional drumming of a woodpecker.