Within Fillmore Glen, as autumn unfurls its vibrant tapestry, there lies a path that seems to exist between the pages of an unwritten folklore. It is a trail not marked for travel, bearing a solitary sign, “Not a trail. Do not enter,” which stands like a silent sentinel amidst the riot of colors. Yet, the path stretches on, an irresistible lure, a golden ribbon that meanders through the heart of the wood, carpeted with leaves that have taken their final, graceful descent to create a mosaic of reds, oranges, and yellows.
Hint: click image for larger view. Ctrl/+ to enlarge / Ctrl/- to reduce
The path is a secret thoroughfare, known only to the whispering trees and the shy creatures that watch from the underbrush. The air here is thick with the scent of damp earth and the musk of decay that heralds the deepening of autumn. It is a place out of time, where the distant sound of falling water is a constant undertone, a reminder of the unseen river that carves its way through the glen, its voice rising and falling with the wind.
The leaves that blanket the path rustle with the passage of unseen feet—perhaps the fox, or the silent owl that hunts at twilight. The golden footpaths are corridors of light, as the sun filters through the thinning canopy, casting long shadows and illuminating patches of the forest floor with a warm, amber glow.
Here, one’s footsteps become a part of the glen’s own rhythm, a soft tread upon the sacred ground. The sign’s warning goes unheeded by the whispering woods, which seem to beckon with a voice as old as the hills, inviting the soul to wander and to wonder. In Fillmore Glen, the path is not just a physical journey but a passage through the soul of autumn itself, a dance with the ephemeral, a fleeting embrace of the golden, transient beauty of the fall. It is not merely a place to walk; it is a path to feel, to breathe, to exist in harmony with the quiet pulse of the earth.
Here we have the harmony between humans and nature, represented through woodland shelters like lean-tos and birdhouses. It portrays these shelters as spaces of coexistence, mutualistic masterpieces blending function, form, and aesthetic in nature.
Hint: click image for larger view. Ctrl/+ to enlarge / Ctrl/- to reduce
…vines running free.
In the dappled sanctuary of the woodlands, where the rustle of leaves is a constant whisper and the breeze carries the secrets of the earth, there lies an unspoken harmony between the realm of the rooted and the realm of the roving. Here, the art of shelter is not just necessity but poetry—a dialogue between man and nature, bird and branch, leaf and sky. It is in the woodland shelters—those humble lean-tos and the charming birdhouses—that this conversation finds its most enchanting expressions.
A lean-to, a simple structure, a slant of sanctuary against the embracing trunk of a venerable oak or the crook of a steadfast pine, rises like an ode to minimalist refuge. It is both a testament to human ingenuity and a bow to the grandeur of the forest. Constructed from the very bones of the woods, with limbs that have fallen in the last tempest’s dance, it is clad in the textures of the wild—a tapestry of bark, a patchwork of leaves. It does not impose but rather suggests, whispering, “Here, rest awhile, where the earth holds you and the canopy cradles the sky.”
Within this woodland embrace, the lean-to is the hermit’s haven, the hiker’s pause, the dreamer’s alcove. It is the place where one can commune with the murmur of the brook, the chitter of the squirrel, and the silent flight of the owl at twilight. It is here that the smoke of a small fire mingles with the mist of dawn, where stories unfold to the rhythm of the crackling embers and the forest listens.
And what of the birdhouses, those quaint dwellings that pepper the woodland tableau? They are not mere shelters but the grand stages for the aerial ballet of wings and the morning serenades of feathered minstrels. Each is a mansion of possibility, an invitation etched in wood and lovingly placed among the boughs. They are the outposts of avian dreams, where the pulse of tiny hearts beats in time with the dripping of rain and the warmth of the sun’s caress.
The birdhouse is a symbol of the generosity of the woodsman’s spirit, a gift to the skyborne, a token of respect to the delicate denizens of the firmament. Here, the chickadee, the finch, the nuthatch, and the wren find respite and nurture the next generation of sky dancers. Each hole is a portal to a home, each perch a threshold to the warmth within, and every departure and return is witnessed by the vigilant trees, the silent sentinels of the forest.
Lean-tos and birdhouses, these woodland shelters, are the chorus of the sylvan symphony, the unseen chords that bind human to habitat, life to life. They are proof that in the quiet places of the world, where humanity treads lightly and the wild holds sway, there can be a beautiful coexistence, a mutualistic masterpiece painted on the canvas of the wilderness. They stand as symbols of the beauty that arises from the marriage of function and form, purpose and aesthetic, the innate and the crafted.
In the woodland shelters, there is a rhapsody played in the key of nature—a song of simplicity, of connection, of the perpetual dance between the earth and its many children. It is here, in the lean-tos and birdhouses, that the heart of the woods beats strongest, beneath the watchful eyes of ancient trees and the endless sky.
Copyright 2023 Michael Stephen Wills All Rights Reserved MichaelStephenWills.com
Hartung–Boothroyd Observatory is a leading educational facility, aiding in the study of astrophysics, tracking asteroids, and fostering diverse academic collaborations.
Perched on Mount Pleasant in the town of Dryden, New York, the Hartung-Boothroyd Observatory (HBO) stands as a testament to the celestial curiosity that Cornell University has nurtured for decades. It is a gateway to the stars, a place where the heavens unfold in wondrous detail to the eyes of astrophiles and the lenses of powerful telescopes.
The observatory is home to a reflecting telescope, one of the largest in New York State dedicated to both education and research. This remarkable instrument, housed under a retractable dome, has provided students and researchers with direct experience in astronomical observations since its establishment in 1974.
HBO isn’t just an observatory; it is a bridge between the terrestrial and the cosmic. It represents an educational philosophy that values direct engagement with the subject of study. Undergraduates, graduates, and faculty members flock to the facility to engage in projects that range from studying variable stars and exoplanets to tracking asteroids. Here, theoretical astrophysics meets the tactile world, allowing for an integrated understanding of the universe’s complexities.
Are images are from a handheld Apple Iphone 14 ProMax, raw files edited on camera and then from Adobe Lightroom.
It is used mainly as a Cornell University (Ithaca, New York) teaching facility for upper-level astronomy classes. The observatory is named financial contributions of M. John Hartung ’08 (chemical industrialist and donor) and in honor of the labor of Samuel L. Boothroyd (founding professor and chairman of astronomy 1921–1942). The telescope construction began in the 1930s and the observatory was dedicated in 1974. It contains the James R. Houck 60 centimeter telescope and various instruments.
View east from Cornell University’s Hartung–Boothroyd Observatory
The James R. Houck telescope at HBO was a project initiated by its namesake in 1972, using optics and a lightweight tube which had been fabricated in the late 1930s by Samuel T. Boothroyd, Cornell’s first astronomer, and a mounting constructed by George Gull ’72 as his senior design thesis in Mechanical Engineering.
View southwest toward Ithaca College
The telescope, control electronics and instruments are largely the result of work done by undergraduates since 1970. It was manufactured by the students at the Tompkins, Tioga and Seneca BOCES and by Therm, Inc., with mirror coatings by Evaporated Metal Films corporation, all in Ithaca. The latter corporation was founded by members of Boothroyd’s scientific team, as he pioneered the use of evaporated metal coatings in astronomical optics. The telescope and observatory were dedicated in 1974.
View southwest toward Ithaca College I zoomed in to see the residential towers.
The primary mirror is made of Pyrex from the Corning Glass Works and is in fact from a 1/8-scale test pour by the Corning company in preparation for the making of the 200″ Palomar mirror. It is 0.635 m (25 inches) in size, but the outer half inch is masked. The focal length of the mirror is 2.5m (100″) or f/4.
View southeast toward Hammond Hill
The Cassegrain design of the James R. Houck telescope is a combination of a primary concave mirror and a secondary convex mirror, often used in optical telescopes, the main characteristic being that the optical path folds back onto itself, relative to the optical system’s primary mirror entrance aperture. This design puts the focal point at a convenient location behind the primary mirror and the convex secondary adds a telephoto effect creating a much longer focal length in a mechanically short system.
View south
The secondary is an 8″ mirror made of Cervit (a low thermal coefficient material). In combination with the primary, it yields a final f/13.5 beam to the nominal focus, which lies 18.5″ behind the primary mirror’s vertex. At nominal focus, the plate scale is about 24 arcsec/mm, with an effective focal length of 8.57 m.
View southwest toward Ithaca College
The telescope, control electronics and instruments are largely the result of work done by undergraduates since 1970. It was manufactured by the students at the Tompkins, Tioga and Seneca BOCES and by Therm, Inc., with mirror coatings by Evaporated Metal Films corporation, all in Ithaca. The latter corporation was founded by members of Boothroyd’s scientific team, as he pioneered the use of evaporated metal coatings in astronomical optics.
The dome itself, like all professional observatories, is unheated. The telescope and instrumentation can be controlled from a neighboring control room which is heated and offers standard amenities plus several computers for simultaneous data reduction.
The observatory was founded by James Houck and managed by him through 2006. The principal contact is Don Barry, who managed the facility from 2006-2015, and taught Experimental Astronomy using the facility.
“Graduates” of the HBO project are now senior engineers and technical managers as well as graduate students, research associates and faculty at major universities.
Moreover, the observatory is a beacon for interdisciplinary collaboration. It’s not uncommon to find astronomers working alongside computer scientists, engineers, and educators. This cross-pollination of ideas enhances the potential for innovation, fostering new techniques in data analysis, instrument design, and educational methods. The observatory’s role extends beyond its primary function; it is a hub of convergence for diverse academic disciplines, all under the umbrella of exploring the unknown.
HBO also contributes to the global astronomical community through its research. The data collected here feed into larger networks of observation and analysis, aiding in the collective endeavor of mapping and understanding the universe. Its strategic location in upstate New York, away from the light pollution of large urban centers, grants it relatively clear night skies, making it an invaluable resource for both optical astronomy and astrophotography.
In an era where space exploration has captured the public imagination like never before, observatories such as the Hartung-Boothroyd are more crucial than ever. They serve as terrestrial launchpads, propelling minds into the realm of scientific inquiry. Here, the vastness of space becomes approachable, the mechanics of the cosmos decipherable, and the mysteries of the universe a little less mysterious.
As the night falls and the stars emerge, the Hartung-Boothroyd Observatory continues its silent vigil over the heavens. It stands as a beacon of knowledge and discovery, an educational catalyst, and a gateway to the stars. For the students and astronomers who work from this dome on Mount Pleasant, HBO is more than an observatory—it is a vessel navigating the infinite ocean of the night sky, a journey that begins in the heart of Cornell University and extends to the edges of the observable universe.
All Souls’ Day, observed on November 2, is a Christian tradition of praying for the deceased, originating from ancient practices and shaping cultural rituals like Mexico’s Día de los Muertos.
Shuffling through the hot coals of autumn on All Souls Day.
Click image for a larger version.
All Souls’ Day, observed on November 2nd, is a day of prayer and remembrance for the souls of the deceased. Stemming from ancient traditions and solidified within the Christian liturgical calendar, this day serves as a solemn occasion to commemorate the departed. Its roots are deep, with a rich history that intertwines with both religious and cultural practices over centuries.
Origins The concept of dedicating a day to remember the dead predates Christianity. Many ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians and the Celts, held ceremonies and festivals to honor the deceased. The Celts, for instance, celebrated Samhain, which marked the end of harvest and the beginning of winter. This was believed to be a time when the veil between the living and the dead was thinnest.
As Christianity spread across Europe, there was an attempt to integrate pagan practices into the Christian framework, leading to the establishment of days dedicated to the deceased. By the 7th century, monastic communities in Europe had begun to designate a day to pray for the departed members of their communities.
Establishment All Souls’ Day was formally institutionalized by St. Odilo of Cluny in 998 AD. He declared November 2nd as a day for all the monasteries associated with his Benedictine congregation to pray for the souls in purgatory. This practice quickly spread, and by the 11th century, it was widely celebrated throughout Christian Europe.
Theology Behind the Celebration Central to All Souls’ Day is the belief in Purgatory – an interim state where souls undergo purification before entering Heaven. It’s believed that the prayers of the living can aid these souls, expediting their journey to paradise.
Modern Observations Today, All Souls’ Day is observed with varying levels of prominence across Christian denominations. In Roman Catholicism, it retains significant importance, with masses dedicated to the departed. In other Christian traditions, it may merge with other observances, like All Saints’ Day (November 1st) or be passed over entirely.
Cultural Influences Over time, All Souls’ Day has influenced and been influenced by local customs and traditions. In Mexico, for instance, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) coincides with All Souls’ Day but has its distinct flair, involving vibrant parades, elaborate altars, and specific foods.
Bullet Points Summary:
Ancient Foundations: All Souls’ Day has its roots in ancient civilizations that honored the dead. Samhain: The Celts observed Samhain, marking a time of close proximity between the living and the dead. Christian Integration: Early Christians attempted to integrate existing pagan rituals into their religious framework. Monastic Observances: By the 7th century, monastic communities began designating days for the departed. St. Odilo of Cluny: He formalized All Souls’ Day in 998 AD for his Benedictine congregation. Spread: By the 11th century, the observance had spread throughout Christian Europe. Purgatory: Central to the day’s theology is the belief in purgatory and the power of prayers to aid souls. Variation in Observance: The day’s significance varies across Christian denominations. Cultural Mergers: Local traditions, like Mexico’s Día de los Muertos, have both influenced and been influenced by All Souls’ Day. Modern Practices: Today, the day may involve attending masses, lighting candles, and visiting graves of loved ones. In essence, All Souls’ Day is not just a day on the liturgical calendar; it’s a reflection of humanity’s timeless effort to understand, honor, and find meaning in the cyclical nature of life and death. Through rituals and observances, we bridge the gap between the past, present, and the profound mystery of the hereafter.
Dry grass gathered for winter feed on Durfee Hill.
Click image for a larger version.
Haymaking, the age-old agricultural practice of harvesting, drying, and storing grasses and leguminous plants, has been central to sustaining livestock throughout history, especially during seasons when fresh pasture is not available. This practice, rooted in necessity and refined by tradition, embodies the intersection of human ingenuity with the rhythm of nature.
Origins of Haymaking
The origins of haymaking can be traced back to a time when early agricultural communities recognized the need to store feed for animals during lean seasons. While the exact timeline of its inception is hard to pin down, ancient texts and artifacts suggest that the process of drying and storing grass as hay has been practiced for millennia. Early haymaking was predominantly manual, relying heavily on the natural process of sun drying.
The Process of Haymaking
Haymaking usually begins with mowing, the act of cutting down the grass when it has reached its peak nutritional value, just before or as it starts flowering. After mowing, the grass is left on the field to dry, a process known as ‘tedding’. The drying process is crucial as it prevents the growth of mold and bacteria which can spoil the hay and make it unsafe for consumption.
To facilitate even drying, the cut grass is often turned over, or ‘tedded’, using specialized equipment or manually with pitchforks. This ensures that the moisture from the bottom layers of the grass is exposed to the sun and air. Once dried, the hay is raked into rows to prepare for the final stage of baling. Baling involves compacting the dried hay into bundles, making it easier for transportation and storage. Over the years, bales have evolved from simple tied bundles to more compact and uniform shapes, thanks to modern machinery.
The Importance of Haymaking
Haymaking is more than just a routine agricultural activity; it’s a lifeline for livestock farmers. Properly made hay provides essential nutrients to animals like cattle, sheep, and horses during winter months when fresh grass is scarce. Moreover, for dairy farmers, the quality of hay can directly impact the quality and quantity of milk produced.
Furthermore, the economic implications of haymaking are significant. A successful haymaking season can mean the difference between a profitable year and financial strain, especially in areas heavily dependent on livestock farming.
Modern Advances and Challenges
With the advent of technology, the haymaking process has seen numerous advancements. Modern machinery, from mowers to balers, has made the process more efficient, reducing the time and labor required. Advances in weather prediction tools have also assisted farmers in choosing the optimal time for haymaking, maximizing the chances of getting dry weather which is crucial for the process.
However, haymaking, like many agricultural practices, faces challenges in the modern era. Climate change and its resultant unpredictable weather patterns pose significant risks. Unexpected rains during the drying phase can severely affect the quality of hay. Moreover, urbanization and changing land use patterns are reducing the available land for hay cultivation.
Conclusion
Haymaking, as an agricultural practice, exemplifies the human endeavor to harness nature’s bounty for sustenance. From its ancient origins to modern implementations, it remains a testament to the farmer’s deep understanding of the land and its cycles. In a broader sense, haymaking underscores the importance of preparedness, of looking ahead and planning for the future, a lesson that resonates well beyond the confines of agriculture. As we face contemporary challenges, revisiting and valuing such practices can offer insights into sustainable and harmonious living.
P.S. Reader BigSkyBuckeye offered this insight, “Having lived many years in rural, ranching communities, one sees the lifeline of hay for winter feeding of cattle. One important note–most ranchers separate their stacks of bails with some distance, so a lightning strike doesn’t consume every bail.”
Copyright 2023 Michael Stephen Wills All Rights Reserved
The Malloryville eskers near Freeville, New York, highlight the region’s glacial history and contribute significantly to biodiversity and local ecology.
Walking here, I enjoy telling the grandchildren of the immense, mile-high ice sheet that once covered this land 10,000 years ago, creating these hills and hollows.
A forested path set among the glacially formed terrain of the O.D. von Engeln Malloryville Preserve near Freeville, New York.
Eskers are geological features that tell a rich tale of the glacial history of an area. In the landscape near Freeville, New York, the eskers of Malloryville stand as prominent reminders of the last Ice Age and the profound effects glaciers have had on the North American terrain. These elongated ridges, composed primarily of sand and gravel, not only offer a visual spectacle but also provide crucial insights into the glacial processes that shaped the region.
Eskers are formed by the deposition of sediment from meltwater rivers flowing on the surface of or within glaciers. As these glaciers recede, the sediment accumulates in the paths previously carved by the meltwater streams, eventually forming ridges. The Malloryville eskers are particularly notable for their well-preserved structure, giving geologists and enthusiasts alike a clear vision of the patterns of glacial meltwater flow from thousands of years ago.
Located just a few miles from Freeville, the Malloryville eskers are an intriguing natural attraction. The topography of the area, largely shaped by the Laurentide Ice Sheet during the last glacial maximum, is characterized by various glacial features, but the eskers are undeniably some of the most distinct. Their serpentine-like appearance, weaving through the landscape, immediately captures one’s attention and beckons further exploration.
From an ecological perspective, the eskers of Malloryville contribute to the area’s biodiversity. The unique microenvironments created by these ridges offer habitats that differ from the surrounding landscape. This differentiation allows for a variety of plant species to thrive, some of which are specially adapted to the well-drained soils of the eskers. Additionally, these ridges act as corridors for wildlife, facilitating movement and offering vantage points for species like deer and birds of prey.
Historically, the eskers near Freeville have also had an impact on human activity. Native American communities, recognizing the strategic advantage of these high grounds, are known to have used them as pathways or even settlement sites. In more recent history, the gravel and sand composition of the eskers have made them targets for mining activities. While this has led to the alteration or destruction of some sections, it has also highlighted the importance of preserving these unique geological features for future generations.
Efforts to study and preserve the Malloryville eskers have grown in recent years. Local educational institutions, in collaboration with geological societies, have undertaken detailed studies to understand the formation and significance of these features better. Such initiatives not only contribute to the scientific understanding of glacial processes but also raise awareness about the importance of conserving unique geological formations. Given the potential impacts of climate change on glacial landscapes worldwide, the eskers serve as a poignant reminder of the dynamic nature of our planet and the traces left behind by the ebb and flow of ice ages.
In conclusion, the eskers of Malloryville near Freeville, New York, stand as testaments to the glacial history of the region. These winding ridges, with their intricate patterns and rich ecological contributions, weave a story of natural processes that have spanned millennia. They remind us of the ever-changing nature of our planet and underscore the importance of understanding and preserving its geological wonders. Whether one views them with the eyes of a scientist, historian, or nature enthusiast, the Malloryville eskers offer a captivating glimpse into the ancient forces that have shaped the world around us.
Copyright 2020 Michael Stephen Wills All Rights Reserved
Standing on a stream spanning bridge it is fun to drop a stick or leaf, watch the progress, disappearing beneath the bridge to emerge and continue riding the water downstream.
Michael Stephen Wills Photography 