I hadn’t been to Steinke Basin for a couple weeks, and this morning I had space in my schedule, so out I went to enjoy a hike in nature.
Redwing blackbirds chittered at me to let me know I was encroaching on their territory. I was also serenaded by two catbirds. The coolest bird activity of the day was seeing a pair of Eastern towhees – a lifer for me. Unfortunately I was unable to get a good picture.
Wildflowers were abundant today. For whatever reason, I had forgotten that bergamot (aka bee balm) would be out, so it was a delight to see the lacy light purple blooms.
I only noticed one mullein, and it was spectacular – about four feet tall and with its trademark tiny yellow flowers up the stalk. Mullein is an interesting plant. As a biennial, it grows for two years. The first year it gets fuzzy light green leaves at the base, and the second year it sends up the stem and flowers. It was brought here by the European settlers as part of their apothecary used to treat lung ailments.
In other news, there have been recent reports of black bear scat on the trail at Steinke. I stayed alert to my surroundings and trusted that any self-respecting bear would hear and smell me coming in plenty of time to get off the path and hide in the woods.
A couple of years ago I researched what to do if you encounter a black bear while hiking. It was pretty simple. If it hasn’t yet sensed you, quietly back away and retrace your trail or take another route. If it does see you, make yourself big, yell, and swing your arms or a stick. Hold your ground even if it charges because it will often back down when it sees you are standing fast.
This is a pretty apt metaphor for life. There are many situations in which it’s helpful to hold our seat and not react out of fear.
This work is real, and it matters.
July 22, 2022