Swamp

Spring swamps. Dry come summer.

Deer paths

The bush is so thick I can step into it, walk twenty paces, turn around and be lost because everything looks the same in all directions: branches and thorns everywhere and up above, if it's a grey day, the sky gives away no clues.

I bought a compass then a handheld GPS. I bought rolls of orange flagging tape. I bought loppers and clippers. I wanted to make trails but had no idea how or where to start. Then I finally noticed what was there all along.

I've spent days now cutting trails into the property, guided by deer paths and streams, thankful I don't have to depend on my terrible sense of direction.