mirandbc's Journal

Today, I went for a walk through the Chestnut Hill Reservoir. I had also visited the Res the week before, and I was inspired by all of the different types of plants I observed. Therefore, it was the perfect place for this week's topic as I saw a wide range of flowers, trees, and mosses. The weather was not optimal as it was really cold, windy, cloudy, and it began raining towards the end of my walk. Regardless, I was able to take a break from all the studying and admire the beauty around. I walked all through the reservoir, but this time I decided to also walk through one of the smaller hidden trails. This was a great decision as I observed many different types of mosses, such as the Shingle Moss, which was all around the bottom of trees rather than the typical ones found near the water. I walked all around and noticed that the trees were much more colorful than the week before. One tree had the leaves completely yellow while others had the typical orange and red leaves present during fall. There were flowers all along the edge of the water, and I took many pictures of them because of their wide variety of colors. Specifically, I found the Knapweeds to be the most beautiful ones due to their bright and striking purple color. Finally, I decided to take a run halfway through obtaining observations, and then rested on a bench to relax. I continued making observations, and ended the walk on my way towards Cleveland Circle. It was a very eventful afternoon.

Today, I went for a walk through the Chestnut Hill Reservoir. This is something I have done countless times throughout my time here in Boston College. However, I was skeptical on going here for this week's topic as I had never noticed fungi in that area. Today was really windy and cloudy, which is very different to the typical sunny and warm days, which I had previously experienced. Regardless, it was a peaceful afternoon for making observations as well as a much needed break from midterm season. As always, I walked all around the reservoir starting from the entrance in Commonwealth Avenue. I am always amazed by how tranquil it is along with the beauty present there. I walked all around, noticing that, as fall is here, there were less leaves on the trees. I also saw a lot of moss throughout the greenery, and I noticed flowers all along the edge of the water. As I walked closer to the trees, I was able to see some fungi. It was particularly difficult to take some pictures as some species were farther farther away from the trail. Finally, I rested on a bench for several minutes admiring and absorbing the calmness. I hope that people take advantage of the reservoir being a short walk away from campus to admire everything it has to offer.

Today, I went for a walk through Houghton Garden for the third time. The weather was different to the other times I had visited, which had been warm and beautifully sunny days (75°). Today, the weather was humid and cloudy, but nevertheless, it was a peaceful afternoon for making observations. As always, I went through the hidden entrance, or in other words, I started from the end of the trail. I am always amazed by the beauty of this place, and even more astonished by how different it looks during the different seasons. I walked through several short trails, but as fall is beginning, there were much less flowers than the last time I visited (spring). First, I walked up a small trail, but I only saw green leaves across the floor of the garden. As I walked closer to the pond, I was able to see some hidden white flowers. Further on, I crossed the small bridge, and I was able to see more colorful flowers, ranging from purple, red, and pink. There were many insects around, but it was expected. Finally, as always, I rested on a bench for several minutes admiring and absorbing the beauty around. Houghton Garden is a very relaxing experience, and I wish more people knew about it as it is one of Chestnut Hill's hidden gems!

Today, I went for a walk through the Houghton Garden. It was a warm and beautifully sunny day (75°), perfect for making observations about different species. When we arrived to the site, the entrance was hidden, but when we finally entered it, we realized that it was one of Boston College's hidden gems. There were several short trails that one could take, so my friend and I walked through several. First, we walked up a small trail, and we mainly saw green leaves and trees with some yellow and white flowers hidden. Once at the top, we saw the pond and decided to walk towards it. We crossed a small bridge and saw an abundance of flowers, ranging from yellow and orange to purple and pink. There were many insects, but it wasn't a bother. Finally, we rested on a bench near the water, and we absorbed the beauty around us. Houghton Garden was a very relaxing experience, and I am very glad I finally saw it!