I paid another visit to Mariton today. I’ve found a few regular spots that I enjoy coming to regularly that are near enough that I don’t have to drive too far if I want to go on a quick nature walk. In Los Angeles, I had all the local gardens nearby to enjoy (Descanso Gardens, The Huntington Botanical Garden and the Los Angeles Arboreum). While I don’t have those types of gardens near where I’m currently living, I’m finding my regular spots to frequent. It’s nice to visit the same place over and over again throughout the year to note the changes that take place through the seasons. Some might say, “But California doesn’t have seasons.” I disagree. Yes the climate is temperate most of the year, but there are definitely seasons with notable changes. Albeit not as dramatic a change as the east coast, but if you are in tune with nature, you will definitely become aware of these subtle and quite lovely transitions. But I digress. Back to my walk today… We are now beginning to transition into summer. The east coast has gone full force emerald green. I find it fascinating how one day it seems as if everything is still brown from the dead of winter, and the next you look out your window and suddenly everything has turned green. It’s quite a different color palette compared to the soft brown tones I was used to in Southern California. In the meadows, the milkweed continues to bloom. More and more butterflies are starting to appear. Today I saw Skippers, Eastern Tiger Swallowtails, Little Wood Satyr and a Great Spangled Fritillary. I wish I could have gotten closer to them for better photos, but I didn’t want to be THAT idiot who stomps all over the plants just to get “the shot”. Instead I stayed in my place along the pathway that cuts between the two meadows and patiently waited for a butterfly to land near enough to get a decent photo. But it was difficult today, as the gnats were terrible and even with bug repellent they continued to swarm about my head. I keep forgetting to bring my bug net! Still, I did my best to wait it out and when a butterfly was somewhat within range of my camera lens, I leaned over as far I could to get a photo. One of these days I’d love to invest in one of those fancy (expensive) ginormous camera lenses, although quite honestly, I’d probably not want to lug it around. It was a beautiful day. Not too humid, and I enjoyed a beautiful morning walk before starting my day.
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