The Woods

I am about 9 years old. As we are exploring the big woods out on Meltzer farm, we come across a big oak tree. This tree is so big around that it takes six people to have their arms outstretched, with their fingertips touching and to go around this big oak. We continue walking the trails and conversing as my mentor describes what it was like to grow up on this big tract of land. There is a cabin that was built when Mr. Meltzer’s family first settled here in the 1800’s. Meltzer Woods is how I recall these big woods. Today it is a land trust. When we go up to the farmhouse, we see barns and grain bins. Some were built in the late 1800’s. The cabin was first built when his family settled there. In the old barn we see a barn owl alerting us as we had disturbed his slumber. The barn owl ruffles his feathers, and we move on. As a child I was full of wonder because I just loved nature and here was Phillip teaching me about nature: flora and fauna. We walk and he describes the history of the land.

Now in 2020, this pandemic is going on and I am in my hometown the first time in a couple of years. I drive out to Meltzer woods to walk the hallow ground again. They have changed it and put in actual trails and trail markers. Even a parking lot for people to come and visit and walk these paths for enjoyment and exercise. Nature walks have always been soothing to me. I feel at home in the trees. I take photos of my walk, just hoping to see some birds. I recall the barn owl. I wished I had a camera back then. I hear chipmunks and squirrels rummaging through the underbrush. The birds, flit throughout the woods here and there. I wish I could see a barn owl once again. Walking through these woods brings back memories so very much. In the big oak tree, there was a cannonball lodged in the tree about 20 feet up. I look for that tree and see its corpse lain sideways. Must have been a big storm that blew that tree over I thought. So, much enjoyment I have had growing up and coming here. One summer I worked for Phillip. I had fun that summer. Phillip passed away in 2020. He was 97. He died in the room where he was born in.

Thank you Phillip for everything and establishing with in a young lad a sense of wonder and appreciation for the natural world.