Our groups catch phrase is "Elizabeth goes right thru the marsh, Rena goes around it!"
On our third attempt to find the inflow to Creek Pond from Beaver Pond, we found it! It was hidding behind some overgrowth and a couple fallen trees but the waterfall was serene. It was the perfect spot for sitting on some large boulders to throw in our orange peel to take flow rate measurements. On the way out, Elizabeth had the bright idea to use the compass and go through the woods towards a logging trail. (I had reservations about this idea but became convinced under the stressful heat.) We both knew that there were at least four logging trails that were perpendicular to the Tibbetts trail so we thought maybe it would save some time. And it did!! Atleast it felt like 20 minutes was saved. It was neat to navigate with the compass too.
Next, we drove over to Frances Ext. Road to find site 1 (from the 2005 project). Eleanor informed us that the orange gate into the reserve was a short walk up the Jeep Trail and to then continue a little further to find a logging trail that would take us to Creek Pond. Well, it took 3 minutes to find the broken orange gate and fire pit with broken glass, then another 3 more minutes to the logging trail and fire pit, and finally 10 minutes to the tall grassy marsh along Creek Pond. I hate those tall grasses... they indicate water!!!!!!!!! Since our goal was to find site 1 ( inflow to Creek Pond) we followed the stream up and away from the Creek. It dried up several times until we found a decent spot that had some flow to it. This will definately be the slowest flow rate of the four sites. Some of the measurements were very different from our other three sites and we believe that to be attributed to the different landscape. This area was full of light, pine needles, rocks, and exposed mud. Our other areas were more mossy, had ferns, tall grasses, hummocks, and small trees/bushes. The trees that were most abundant looked to be red cedar. Other types included beech, birch, and hemlock.
While waiting for the very, very slow orange peel to move 2 meters, Elizabeth said "Is this our last site?" And after thinking about it, looking on the map, and rethinking again... it was. Our first reaction was happiness!!!!!!!! We were actually planning on going to another site on the map but then I realized, we already did that site! We have been so focused and organized that we just kept looking for the next site. Our emotions then changed to saddness because we enjoyed being on the move and taking measurements.
In the end, we realized our hard work and were glad we didn't have to come back out tomorrow, especially since it was going to be 90'F plus! In the end we went for ice cream to celebrate and thought about heading for the pool tomorrow instead of class! Anyone want to join?
2 comments:
Good for you using your compass to navigate the property.
Do you think some of the differences in your water quality measurements could be due to the warmer temperatures?
I honestly cannot wait to hear your presentation. You two have been working so diligently and your project almost feels secretative :). I enjoyed reading your posts. You seemed to be the most adventerous group, bushwacking away in seemingly untouched areas of the Headwaters. You both looked tired and wet most days but always seemed positive, that's awesome!
I know how you're feeling about being happy and sad all at once. After yesterday it was hard to believe the Barrington Navigators won't be going back to any of our sites :(.
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