Click here for my Online Gallery offering of trillium.
An access road, now blocked with huge boulders by the State Park, leads to this dam at the head of Fillmore Glen. I stop here for reflection at times and have climbed behind the dam for photographs. It is possible to drive up the south side of the glen on a poorly maintained road and park next to the boulders. In this season (spring) the surrounding forest is carpeted in wildflowers. Hepatica, trillium, dutchman’s breeches. One day, years ago, I pulled in behind a late model convertible with a license plate holder advising the owner was a member of the 10th Mountain division and a World War II veteran.
They were a well dressed and groomed couple. The white haired driver, in his late 80’s at least, patiently waited while she, a frail woman, walked the margins of the forest, enjoying the wildflowers. It was my impression this was a ritual for them, developed over the years. One of the few spring outings left to them.
Wildflower displays develop over hundreds of years. The massed trillium are on land not disturbed for thousands of years, since the last ice age. These same spring wonders were certainly enjoyed by the Iroquois before us.
Click either photograph for a larger view.
On the gorge slope below the parking area, in a hollow on the north side of a large (I recall) oak, one early sunny spring morning I discovered the last resting place of a deer. Only the bones and some fur remained, the visible portion resembles the Capitulum and trochlea of a human arm bone and, indeed, there was a scapula close by. The season is evoked by the unfurling fern against the based of the oak.
Michael Stephen Wills Photography 
A lovely reflection, Michael. Nature’s agelessness and my small role, though temporary, are comforting.
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Thanks for reading and your thoughtful comment, D. Wallace.
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In choosing to climb what appears to be potentially perilous, you’re a braver man than I. LOL!
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I am not sure about that. There are places in the park that can be frightening and dangerous.
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Confidentially – I was being somewhat facetious. It is however, good to see, I’m not the only one unafraid to sacrifice anything for their art.
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It’s often inspiring seeing old couples still getting out, still experiencing the world. Sets the bar for the rest of us. Looks like a beautiful spot for a walk.
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Yes, Dave, that parking area has access to multiple trails for people of different abilities (very easy to moderate), all inspiring.
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I love people who doesn’t care about age and are active as much as they can.
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It is a personal goal of my wife and I.
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Best goal. Me too.
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Another excellent set to images Michael.
My work involves devising technical controls to mitigate technology risk (I work in cyber-security). The way I think has bled into other aspects of my life. I tend to evaluate the risk of everything I do. As long as I understand the risk, have a plan to mitigate them, I proceed.
But everyone has a different level of risk tolerance.
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I worked 31 years for a software company, The CBORD Group. We created, distributed and supported solutions for food service and hospitality.
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Michael, I enjoyed the photographs. However, the touching story of the WWII veteran and his wife was very special. Thanks for sharing.
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My pleasure!!
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