SAVOY OBSERVATIONS

{Originally Written 08/05/98}

I have practiced what Jim Beeez calls "noticing" in Savoy State Forest over the last several years while sharing in monthly backpacking/camping trips with Dusty (my dog). Once a month, month after month, for a couple days, we head into the woods and live out of my backpack.

Early this July found us seated resting our lazy bodies on the outcropping of rocks along the southeast shore of North Pond, away from the swimmers, just as dark was settling in. Eight feet below in the shallow waters, I observed two beaver swimming circles, rubbing noses, getting closer and closer to me and my partner. Suddenly, WHAACK!! The larger of the two slams his tail into the water causing us to hop off our butts a few inches - busted!! The busy ones spotted us. While I tried to slow my suddenly accelerated heart beat, Dusty just sort of looked at me with his head tilted to the left confused (his eyesight isn’t what it once was). The two beaver continued their courtship in the fine cold waters below us, occasionally submerging and resurfacing with something chewy in their mouths. Then, WHAACK!! Another warning to us that we were a little too close for Mr. & Mrs. Eager Beaver’s comfort. When the third WHAACK!! arose from the water, we knew it was time to go and check out the night sky from the tent.

If you enjoy star gazing, then a night at Savoy State Forest seems in order. From the camping area at South Pond, if you pace your way into the open fields in the middle of the facility, you have a breathtaking view of the stars that will leave you reaching out to grab at the milky way, it appears that close. Better yet, stroll down to South Pond’s swimming area and see the stars reflected back at you in the water, almost as if it were a mirror and not liquid. Then turn in for a peaceful quiet cold night with the sounds of crickets, frogs and the early morning arrival of song birds to help waken you from that restful sleep.