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 May 23
 May 23
 May 25  May 25
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May 23, '09 from Burkhard P.
Hello everybody, Today I spent a few hours behind Purcell's Pond,
walking all the way to Flat Lake. I would say the
burnt area starts half way into the property,
the highest point (granite ridge) was totally burnt.
A few wet spots were spared, and then the burn
continues all the way to Flat Lake. Flat Lake was
completely surrounded by fire, only a tiny wet area
exactly where the trail reaches Flat Lake, is still green.
There is a little bog between the ridge and Purcell's
Pond, which prevented the fire from spreading
into that direction.
The walk through the burnt area is a bit eerie,
hot in the sun, no bird sound, and no bugs.
In places, the heat has flaked off the surface layer
of the exposed granite. Two types of plants have
survived under ground: Bracken, and to my surprise,
Common Lady's-Slipper Orchids, both of which are emerging,
Bracken in large numbers, Lady's-Slipper only in spots.
Other plants may come later in the season.
The bicicle people have already started repairing
their ramps. Maybe this fire could be an opportunity
to lay out a trail over the Trust property that avoids the
wet spots?
Cheers,
Burkhard
May 25, '09 from Richard B.
Grace and I appreciated seeing Burkhard's and David's images and
comments re Arnell Lands following the fire. They stoked our interest
for we had already planned a hike in the area. Today we walked and
looked for over four hours, and took some pictures.
It's a strange experience to visit an area that is in places so
devastated looking and yet has many signs of new beginnings. I've
attached a few images for you all to see, images that show amazing new
beginnings given what was going on there less than a month ago.
 May 25 |
May 25
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May 25 | 
May 25, Purcell's Pond |
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