Emergency crews have been busy today in our area. I had the scanner on this morning and heard a call for the Walden Fire Department to Cole's Pond for a grass fire. Cabot Fire Department was called in as backup but after only a few minutes they were turned back because the fire was under control. Walden stayed at the scene to hose down the area. Imagine a fire out of control with the winds we have had today.

This afternoon there was a report of a three-car pile up in West Danville, but it didn't sound as if there were serious injuries. We never, ever "ambulance chase," but we had been talking about going down to see if anyone was still at camp, so we decided to go to see what the accident was all about. We didn't get too close except with the car and Fred took a few pictures. We'll read details in the newspaper tomorrow, perhaps. Fortunately nobody seemed to be too seriously hurt although Danville Rescue seemed to be taking someone to NVRH as we were returning from checking to see if repairs had begon on the washout on Wightman Road.

Nothing has changed where the bridge washed out a few weeks ago on Wightman Road. We wonder, though, why the cone is sitting in the brook at the bottom of the washout. Perhaps it just ended up there . . . There may be no money to repair these washouts right away, so the barriers will stay in place for a while, I'm sure.

There was an unusual amount of traffic on the road this afternoon. People are heading home after a great weekend weatherwise here in the north country. We are still watching with interest and compassion the progress of Gustav. The eleven or so emergency crews from the State of Vermont that deployed to the area last week will without a doubt be needed.

I took a picture of this plant in the woods the other day and I'm wondering if anyone can tell me what it is. I remember being warned as a child never to touch or eat wild berries like these, and I assume they are poison, but I'm curious. I looked in some wildflower books and on the internet, but so far haven't a clue. Perhaps someone will post a response (below). Thanks.

Are you aware of the free ad service the Caledonian Record is now offering on line? You can read about it in Saturday's edition of the paper, or go to: www.caledoniamarketplace.com It will be interesting to see how it grows. We will have a link on our web site.

Enjoy what's left of the holiday weekend. Welcome to Autumn in Vermont.