Exploring Slush Pond - Part 1

It was a fine day and I decided to make a quick run down to the floating peat bog at Slush Pond with the dogs. It was about 30 miles from my house, plus another couple of miles through the forest, but the entire drive was scenic and pleasant. As soon as I saw a place to pull over and access the water, I parked and let the dogs out. My first discovery was that it was mosquito season and I was immediately covered with hundreds of the vicious, ravenous little insects. The dogs didn't seem to be bothered, but they had much less skin exposed than I had:

We walked out toward across the peat, heading toward the water. Clover and Daphne ran on ahead:

Seamus was interested mostly in the water:

But there wasn't much to see there, so I called the dogs back into the car and we continued on to a campsite where I knew there to be a good access to the peat bog:

We got out of the car and headed down the trail through the forest toward Slush Pond:

Jack had never had such an adventure and was very excited to be included:

We were soon walking on the floating peat bog, which bounced with every step. If I stood in one place too long, the water oozed up through the peat and covered my shoes:

There were carnivorous Pitcher Plants growing everywhere and other vegetation one only finds in peat bogs:

Fergus and Jack were ecstatic:

Not all Sphagnum is green. Some of it is bright red or golden yellow:

Jack bounced on ahead to explore this wondrous habitat:

Clover, Daphne and Seamus explored the water's edge. I am happy to report that no one fell into the water this time. There was more to see at this extraordinary place. Tune in tomorrow for Part 2: