We started at the Fishing Access, startling frogs and watching the fishermen on the beach.

As we tromped up through the woods, we checked under logs for salamanders — finding one — and staring down the steep cliff drop-offs into the water. We took a break in the “chair tree” (a cedar branch with two 90-degree turns for a seat) and saw a water snake swimming away in the pond. The weather was beautiful — 60s and partly sunny with a nice breeze.

Participants for our hour-long adventure: Aaron, Michelle (trip leaders) and Brendan.