Mono Cliffs

[vaneramos]

Acer saccharum, sugar maples







Fagus americana, American beech


Today I returned with Danny to Hockley Valley for the first time since my excursion there with Brenna last October. Its idyllic aspect inspired the fictitious college town of Dufferin, setting for my second novel, Pilgrim's Cross.

The weather was fitful. We passed through heavy rain on the drive out, but sun won out.

We didn't follow the same trail as last year, but drove further north to Mono Cliffs Provincial Park. From the entrance it took us almost an hour on foot to reach the cliff top, moving leisurely and taking lots of pictures. I had wanted to share fall beauty with Danny, and the day could hardly have been nicer.

The park is home of one of the most significant surviving stands of old growth eastern white cedar, and 46 fern species. Some cliff ice persists until July.

Ragged clouds tore over the cliffs. A nearby hilltop faded behind a veil of rain, while sun inflamed radiant maples behind us. Over a grey meadow, a flock of milkweed seeds flew like white sprites, vanishing quickly on the wind. They left behind a single golden maple leaf, waltzing alone and erratically as the wind died, settling toward the ground.

~~~~~~~~~

An additonal photo is published in texture