1st Preseason Run

Emma and I went for a walk last Sunday down at the HogFarms Covert. Many of the old apple trees, planted years ago are carrying a good crop this year.

 

Emma found one bird deep in the multiflora rose cover and paid the price with a torn ear.

 

This covet has a large population  of Cucumber Magnolia trees that are loaded with fruit.

The Hawthorn are hanging full of fruit also.

This small bird showed little fear of me and I got a nice picture. I haven't been able to identify it yet.

It was a very pleasant morning to be in the woods as the signs of fall approaches.

Just a Couple of Miscellaneous Pics

On my last fishing trip I came across these wood turtles sharing a passionate moment. I've come upon box turtles and snapping turtles in the same situation and wondered just how this all happens. A search on Google told me that a turtles sex organs are located in their tails. I guess Mother Nature has everything figured out.

Have been seeing a large number of Praying Mantis this fall. This one seemed as interested in me as I was in her.

I'm proud of my apple grafting successes this year. Here I am with some of my best growers. A Milo Gibson, a Washed Russet, and a Red Limbertwig. Heirloom varieties unknown to 99% of the population, they have never the less survived and have been grafted on for a hundred years or more. At one time there were thousands of varieties of apples but most have been lost due to the commercialization of the apple industry. Lately there has been a resurgence in heirloom apples and I get a great satisfaction doing my part in helping these old apples survive for future generations to experience.

Fishing Trips from the last Couple of Days

Haven't been fishing for the last couple of weeks because my  wading shoes came loose from the soles. Even Duct Tape couldn't make them last until my new shoes came so when they did get here I was anxious to get in the water. Friday evening I hit the river.

Caught some smallies in the 8 to 10 inch range and was happy to be in the river. After about 2 hours my back was telling me to call it a night but my mind said try one last pool. I'm glad I did.

I pulled this nice 16 inch smallie in for my last fish of the night. She gave me quite a battle and jumped more than any fish her size that I have ever caught.

Early Saturday morning found me where Big Creek flows into Licking Creek.

My first cast produced this little fella. A healthy looking two year old by my guess.

A few casts later I hooked his momma.

17 inches of fighting smallmouth that had my heart pounding for several minutes as I battled her in her rocky pool. When it was over I helped her catch her breathe before returning to her lair.

I spent the rest of the morning fishing the creek above where Big Creek enters. I'd never went upstream before and found the water shallower and the fish fewer, but it was still a wonderful morning to be out on the stream.