At 6:50 am this morning I was introduced to the Pine Island State Forest red fox family. Mom fox watched me for a while, and then decided the big blue machine (my Subaru) on the dirt road was harmless, and she left for the morning hunt. The kits were curious, and often came out from their den area and walked within 5 feet of the car. This magical experience went on for almost 30 minutes. Experiences like this one in the deep boreal forest are why I keep going out day after day. They’re magical.

Mom Red Fox Checking Me Over

Peak-A-Boo Kit!

Taking a Break (after eating daisies!)

Returning to my cabin, Molly and I went out for a pontoon ride. Only 200 yards from our dock, I discovered the Common Loons had moved in next door!

Common Loon on Nest

Finally, the Showy Lady Slippers are blossoming, but I estimate still 5 to 7 days away from peak displays. I have a stretch of road near my cabin where while bike riding I now see thousands & thousands of daisies. and the number of Lady Slippers is easily at least one thousand. There is color in the woods for those that choose to go see it!