Well, there it is, we're at the stage where Jackie and Jillie have to adjust to lowered expectations. The most plentiful berry-picking spot has always been among those shrubs of thimbleberries growing alongside the first bridge by the creek. exposed to the sun, accessed after descending the long hill into the ravine. A generous crop of berries, ripening bit by bit has familiarized our two little dogs with the bounty to be had there, but no more. Their offerings have been exhausted, greatly appreciated by our two little scamps' taste buds.

And the appeal of wild apples ripening in the heat and the sun and the rain has exerted a powerful pull toward that area of the ravine where those fruit trees grow. But the low-hanging fruit too have been exhausted, including those that have ripened and fallen off the trees into the valley below. Now, try as we might to bring down any that are left at a height beyond a thrown-stick's peremptory command to descend, no more are to be had, other than those clearly destined to fall onto the crowded slopes and rot there.

It has been exceedingly humid this past week, with heat to match and on some days, relieving breezes. ample reason that many people who normally head for the forest trails give it a pass, of late. Some prefer to skirt the descents into the ravine proper, and simply remain on the heights where the forest still provides ample shade and relief from the burning sun.

There are some people, however, who brave the elements, including the sudden rainfalls that surprise the unwary, who are determined to bring their dogs in for their normal exposure to a bucolic exercise site and the pleasure of wandering through the woods. We came across an acquaintance with her two Irish Setters, exuberant and beautiful specimens, almost when we had concluded our own hike in the woods yesterday.

The early blooming asters are now beginning to fade, making way for those that bloom later; larger blossoms, with an electric pink or purple-pink hue as compared to the washed-out white, or pale blue or purple of its predecessors. And the presence here and there of colourful pop-up mushrooms invariably catches our eye with their bright presence on the fading verdancy of the forest floor.