Saugatuck Falls Natural Area

We (Liz and I, and Richard and Andrew came as well) got out for our walk today, heading to Saugatuck Falls Natural Area. It was in Redding again, but a different part of town. Apparently, they aren't sure about the rules there...

Walking across a bridge, I was out in front, Andrew said "Garter Snake". I turned around and after some pointing out I saw the snake. Apparently not poisonous, it would probably struggle to bite me. Still, the snake creeped me out - I'm not sure if it is because I associate snakes with things that can bite me and make me sick or dead.

We walked along the Falls Trail, which we figured would take us to the falls. It opened up into a large field, and while I never walk with a stick in my hands I grabbed a stick and started walking. Not far along the trail I found another stick:

"I found a new stick!" (is what I was saying as the photo was taken)

Dropping the "new stick" (the big one), we got to the river and the trail wound alongside it towards the falls.

Looking back along the trail

We made it to the falls, which seemed to be more like rapids than falls. At the base of them was some still water surrounded by trees, one of which had a big strap/rope for swinging into the river. We sat around there for a while and then kept walking. The trail headed up a small hill, and on reaching the top we saw the bulk of the falls. Still wasn't a massive drop and looked like big rapids, but they were definitely falls and better than the earlier stuff.

The early falls (token slow shutter shot, I've taken a lot lately...)

Our loop back to the car took us past a vernal swamp. It caught our attention because from even about 50 yards away you could hear frogs. They stopped making noise when I got close to the pond, but Andrew pointed out a black mass on the other side of the pond - eggs. I went over and took a photo of them, they looked cool.

(Click to see bigger)

I'd certainly go back to the area in summer, the trails were good and not too hilly, and in the summer heat the shade and lack of hills will be nice. Plus the sound of the water was good to hear.

After the walk we did some grocery shopping which included some meat to grill. I made burgers, and I was happy with how they came out. I had a double, so a bit over 1/2 a pound of beef on a bun with some onions and ketchup and mustard, and topped it off with some baked beans and hot dogs. Mmmm... meat. And beans.