I have been spoiled by the cooler temps. The heat is becoming oppressive, the humidity just another thing to deal with. With the need for actual shoes, long pants, long sleeved shirt, and bug repellent, the heat only increases. I pick my time carefully. Not to early in the day or too close to evening, both times when the bugs are worse. Not when the sun is at it's worst, overcast is my friend. The nineties mean more time to sort out what I have already recorded, go through old photos to confirm plants seen. But the itch to be out there intensifies.

Over cast at noon and not yet 80 degrees was too good to pass up, even with the 100% humidity. I knew I would have a limit, that everything would reach a point where it wasn't working anymore. I started in the worst spot, lowland covered in ferns and buzzing with mosquitos. The deer have been moving through regularly, leaving a trail for me. There was little new there, the dense foliage not allowing for new growth. A few fungi popping up. Canada Moonseed finally id'ed as the vine grows.

Then up the hill to the upper woods. There are few blossoms of any size in the woods these days. Most are a quarter inch or less, hard to see in the green. I found the Enchanters Nightshade again, for the first time in this woods. It makes me smile, thinking of Harry Potter. I blow out inhaled mosquitos and continue on.

When I reach an open area, the breeze is a blessing. Hairy hedgenettle and Giant blue Hyssop wave above the tall grasses. Blackeyed Susans and Oxeye provide a burst of yellow, crowned by the sight of Greater Canadian St. John's Wort. A native with blossoms 2-3 inches across, it is stunning.

Walking back to the van along tractor paths, I have time to see the Swamp Milkweed blooming and take note of the Flodman's Thistle. Soon it will be goldenrod time. Still so much to see.