A Winter Walk in the Woods

Last weekend James and I toured our property, most of the 80+ acres we live on. We were checking the fences and seeing what was going on. Unlike our neighbors, we have kept most of our property untouched; it is still wooded. So this time of year is a great time to walk about in our woods. The underbrush is dormant so it is easy to get around and the bare trees and ground give a good view of the amazing textures and structure hidden at other, more verdant times of year.

Look at the fabulous peeling bark on these birch trees. They not only have great texture but beautiful coral and silver color as well.

Here is a rattan vine (I think) that grows all over the woods here, often in this twisted growth pattern. this piece was attached to the ground at either end.  The grapevine below is enormous. It starts on the lower right hand side of the photo, does a couple of arches, each about 3 feet tall and 6 feet long, then branches into 2 vines. One end goes straight up in the center of the photo and climbs over 30 feet into the nearby tree.  Amazing sight.