You may not find this terribly rewarding unless you're included here, so this is a good time for casual and random browsers to turn back before they get too caught up in the sweep and majesty of the proceedings and can't let go.
We've been here for six years now, and have never seen the railway in action. (Of course, we're gone in the summertime.)
And for two years at least, after the flood of 2020, there were serious safety repairs and improvements to be made.
The Gypsy Hill Duck Pond . . .
. . . with geese.
And tons of colorful fish. (No fishing here.)
Walking home: a vintage house just recently being renovated, and very well.
The house next door could use a similar recovery treatment.
Montgomery Hill Park, 26 October 2025
We're bound down the Yulee trail for 15 or 20 minutes.
The vegetation is packing it in for another season.
A red trail sign. So we're still on the path!
Any minute now . . .
. . . the hybrid red/yellow trail marker is calling our attention to . . .
. . . the crossover to the Expressway.
Which we now pursue up towards the Fern Gulley
This is actually part of a huge loop to the south before doubling back northwards. The Expressway is an elaborate labyrinth of winding convolutions.
Won't be long now to the Fern Gulley
Well, a little while longer.
Not that way!
But here, we find our landmark (to wit, a rusted old car fender) at the unprepared top of the Fern Gulley. This part of the gulley has its subtle dangers, and we're not in the mood for that today. So . . .
We'll continue on the Expressway as it wiggles through another big loop, and heads down . . .
. . . towards the lower part of the Fern Gulley . . .
. . . here. Missing it's calligraphically inspired sign, unfortunately, who knows why? The upper path is the Expressway continuing to the north to come out near some softball fields and the main attractions of the Park (swimming pool, tennis, basketball, softball, picnic tables & cooking grills, gym equipment for kids, etc.). The descending path on the left is the well-prepared half of Fern Gulley.
From the bottom of which, we are joining the Scout trail, convoluting its way back up to the south.
Another landmark, though not a terribly attractive one
Up the hill, sadly . . .
. . . past the wreckage of that inspired tepee that's been destroyed, for reasons well hidden from us.
Nonetheless, we restrain our tears and continue up the track to the car.
Brief interlude
Some photos of our extremely small study . . .
. . . which, luckily, suits our purposes perfectly.
The commodious worktable is from an 18th century Swiss farmhouse that we've brought with us.
In the hallway to the tiny guest room -- that's another painting of Capri.
Deirdre on the left (on the Sustenpass in a whiteout, 1982), Marlowe in the centre (in the Grottes de Naye at the age of 7), and a traditional Fribourgeois fabric print of the annual désalpe of the cows from the high pastures (also painted on their barns).
The Squirrel, unfortunately in his last days, Alison as a wee lass (photo by Joel Weinsheimer), and a classic Swiss glacier water color.
Montgomery Hill Park again, 1 November 2025
From the northern end this time
The Expressway comes down here from the left, the Scout trail is straight ahead.
At this point, we're following along parallel to the Amtrak rail line off to the right beyond the bushes.
Now up a little hill, and then . . .
. . . up the Fern Gulley.
From time to time, our companion strives to suppress feelings of impatience.
Once out of the Gulley, we start back north . . .
. . . through the jungle.
A fair amount of gentle uphills through here
It's basically one loop after another, but this one is near the end of it.
Later that night, the cats are preparing . . .
. . . to settle down for the night.
The row of churches along Augusta Street, and . . .
. . . some hasty signs of political enthusiasm.
Next up: A few more autumn forest hikes, early November 2025
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All rights reserved, all wrongs avenged. Posted 8 November 2025.
