We walked quite early this morning, making it back just as the rain began. Even though We weren't actually in the rain, my clothing was as damp as though we'd actually been caught in a shower. The air was heavy with humidity, and probably because of that, everything smelled fresh. There was a hint of clover in the air as we came to the intersection of Cabot Plains Road and Bolton Road. We stopped by the pond at the school house so I could take a picture of an old dump rake - perhaps the one I used to use. I got to rake scatterings using a dump rake behind a horse. I don't think many farmers do that any more, but we always had to clean up any hay left by the baler - or a windrow skipped because there was a stone in the way or the hill was too steep or whatever. It was my job to get any leftover hay raked into rows where it could be picked up by the baler. There was a leaver and a foot pedal that worked in unison to raise the rake in order to dump the hay. It was a juggling act sometimes to hold the reins and manage the hand lever, but when the horse was cooperative, which was usually the case, we could get the work done in short order with few problems. This rake has been adapted for use behind a tractor, I think, and there seem to be some parts missing. But it brings back pleasant memories. Like the single row walk-behind corn planter at Ted Domey's, just down the road. Another story for another time.

We stopped by the brook at the bottom of Pinkham Hill. It's very cool and pretty with the water gurgling over the rocks. There was quite a bit of water coming down off the hill. It comes from the two ponds at the school house, and the water ends up in Joe's Pond, of course. There used to be some trout in there, but I doubt there are any now.

We're all hoping the weather clears for our fireworks display tomorrow night, but it actually seems pretty doubtful. We'll post any changes in schedule on home page, or you can give us a call. We'll keep the local stores posted, too.