A Walk in the Woods, Beaver Dam Conservation Area, Manomet, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA

A tall pine forest is a special place. In winter, the woods are quieter but for the gentle hiss of the wind through the pine needles. Most of the birds have headed south. The chattering of squirrels has decreased. My footfalls in the spongy pine needles barely make a sound as I walk.



Little Island Pond peeks out in the distance through the morning light.



The trail is clear of deadfall, likely the result of some volunteer's dogged effort to make this conservation area more easily and pleasantly enjoyed by visitors.



The town's website says that: "The Beaver Dam Conservation Area is approximately 783 acres in area and provides stunning views of Little Island Pond and Great Island Pond. Both ponds provide numerous recreational opportunities with excellent habitat for freshwater fishing and bird watching. The Conservation Area also provides unique nature walks as it is composed of upland pine barrens; a rare ecosystem primarily found in southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod, Long Island, and Eastern New Jersey."

It is one of eight town conservation properties which together, offer miles of walking trails through varied habitat.

It is an idyllic place, except........

....... it is still a wild place and the woods are not without some danger.