Monday, September 8, 2008

Hidden

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I,
I took the one less traveled by.
And that has made all the difference.
~Robert Frost


Water lilies on Jackson Lake

Jackson Lake has broad shores, where water lilies fill the shallows and yellow birch step down gentle slopes to the water’s edge.
Small, well-kept camps line most of the lake, each staking claim to access.
Weathered docks reach like crooked fingers beyond the land—out, into water.
Here, the human element is evident.



Hidden by low, leaning trees, a narrow passage winds its way back, from the open water, into quiet. We paddled on, into the shade, cool on this very warm day.



Cardinal Flower, Lobelia cardinalis

Color is caught in a patch of sunlight.
Cardinal flower—its scarlet blossoms like miniature cranes, their wings outstretched.
Standing on spikes, to reach toward the sunshine.



On this little island, where I stand to stare at flowers, the growth has been trampled. As if someone with muddy boots wove a trail, with a heavy, careless step.
And wandered among the trees.


Ahead of us, small channels cut back and forth across another narrow grassy bar, becoming a network of paths linking shallow to shallow. More muddy steps wind to the bank, and slip down, into the water.



I see it now.
A beaver’s home is here.
Back in this sheltered area, where brilliant flowers bloom.
And dark water is still beneath a canopy of leaves that bends nearly to the water's surface.

Hidden from most.
Seen only by those who might venture to glide beyond the open water--to the places most will not go.



Great Blue Heron in tree
Jackson Lake State Park


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18 comments:

Pat - Arkansas said...

Lovely, lovely post, Nina.

Gail said...

Another really delightful post...Thank you, Nina.

gail

Jackie said...

Those lobelias are beautiful, show things. What a lovely place to visit.

dguzman said...

*sigh*

bobbie said...

Lovely.
Cardinal flower is definitely a favorite.
The heron in the tree - just wonderful. A beautiful photograph.

Cicero Sings said...

Lovely post as usual.

I notice in your book section, "Singing Creek Where the Willows Grow" ... I have that one too ... enjoyed it a lot.

Unknown said...

Hi Nina, I haven't visited your site for awhile- but wow! Great work here. I love nature- so glad to see the admiration that you have for it as well in your photos and prose! Keep up the great work!

Lisa at Greenbow said...

National Geographic would be envious of these pictures if they saw them Nina. Great guide through your lovely park.

Mary said...

Nina, I've never seen such serene water photos. Clear, relaxing and so beautiful!

Lovely post.

Mary

KGMom said...

What great photos.
And the lead in from The Road Not Taken. Can't ask for more.

Lynette said...

I like your ABC Wednesday post. It's lovely.

magiceye said...

thank you for the wonderful trip to the hidden grove!

Leslie: said...

What an amazing post! I felt as though I were gliding into the quietness of the hidden spot with you. I see lots of herons here where I live and they are such graceful birds. Lovely post. :D

Bear Naked said...

What beautiful photos of Hidden areas for ABC Wednesday.
Thank you for sharing them with us.

Bear((( )))

Anonymous said...

beautiful water shots. and a beaver home... :O cool. :)

Katney said...

That was a lovely H journey.

mrsnesbitt said...

A very imaginative and creative choice... sorry I am so late.

Thanks so much.

RuthieJ said...

How fun to find the hidden places and some wonderful surprises! Does the cardinal flower grow wild there?