Not much going on around here lately. We spent a quiet weekend doing mostly chores. Saturday we finished stacking the two cords of wood, so now we’re ready for colder weather. Our weather over the weekend, however, was balmy and sunny—and mid 60’s! Now, I ask you Mother Nature, why couldn’t you have given us this weather earlier on so the trees would have been happier? Speaking of the trees, that’s another time consuming chore. I ran Johnny over the yard again to mulch the final leaves that had fallen and Rick did leaf blowing duty in various spots. The big oak in the back yard still has leaves, so I’ll wait until they drop to go over the back yard once more and then it will be time for us to change out the mowing deck for the snow blower.

We did take time out on Sunday morning to take the dogs for a walk on the old Jungle Habitat grounds. Not much remains of the old enclosures except some fencing and tall, heavy wrought steel gates. Some of them look like they used to keep T-Rexes and velociraptors captive. You just have to use your imagination. But in reality, where lions, tigers, and elephants used to roam there are now only squirrels, chipmunks, deer and bear, bicyclists and dog walkers. The dogs love it because they can be off-lead, meet other dogs and people. On this walk we didn’t see any other dogs.

I hadn’t realized there was so much bittersweet growing here! It covered the trees. Next time I come I’m bringing my garden clipper so I can take some home with me! I know it’s parasitic but it’s so pretty.

And talking about parasitic ... the vines here are pretty creepy. They take over the trees.

This one looks like it created a loop to catch someone or something in.

The bark of some kind of birch tree glowing silvery-gold in the sun.

A watering hole along the way is always a good thing Bella says.

The moon looks like it’s being embraced by the tree branches, don’t you think?

We do a loop of about a mile and a half. It’s a nice walk along the abandoned road system with some short climbs. The dogs were pooped when we got home and slept while Rick and I did the outside chores. A very full weekend of just “stuff.”

Great photos! Bella is the picture of happiness!

Oh, bittersweet!  I have looked for bittersweet for the last few years when I have been where there might be some, and have found none!  I would love to replenish by old stuff.  What a great place for a walk.

Sounds like a great place for a walk.  Loved all the photos - expecially the one of Bella in the water.

Mary, Bella is one happy dog! I can learn a lot from her view on life.

Becky, I know! Bittersweet is so great! I hope to go soon with my clippers and just get some for a vase to display. My morning glories are about as invasive a plant as I need to introduce into my already jungle-like yard!

Debra, it’s a funny place. Great trails, but strange. Bella always steals the spotlight on my blog whenever she appears.

Wow, I had never heard of the Jungle Habitat!  Sure sounds like it was so not a good idea, or maybe just poor execution!  I am glad the state bought it for you to enjoy!

Your jungle looks like a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. No one can doubt how much Bella enjoyed herself.