On October 10th, 2015, Richelle Martin, Stewardship Coordinator for the Nature Trust, led a grand tour through the trail system at the Clark Gregory Nature Preserve. This coastal preserve at Chocolate Cove on Deer Island was just recently expanded and the hike was a way to celebrate the new acquisition of land. For me and my family, this became an opportunity to enjoy a fall hike together while sharing the experience of exploring a nature preserve with other enthusiasts. My mom and dad, Rosa and Brian, joined us for this hike along with my wife Bridgette, son Greyson (3 years) and daughter Lilyanne (3 months at the time).
It was not a terribly long hike before we reached our turnaround point -- a lookout area with a spectacular view of the Bay of Fundy!
On the way back down to the head of the trail, Greyson and I stopped once again by the small vernal pool. I studied it more closely this time, knowing that it will be the subject of my painting to represent this preserve as part of the Conservation on Canvas project. I am currently working on the final composition for this painting.
This was a great little hike and one that I would highly recommend. It was a treat to have my family along on this adventure. There are other trails to explore. We covered about one third of the overall trail system. Although I have a subject to paint for the project, this is a site I want to return to in the future and explore further (and at different times of the year).