Tamarack, Eastern Larch, Hackmatack Trees

Something that was new to us southerners was to see a conifer tree shed it's needles in the fall after the needles turned yellow. The trees go by several names such as tamarack, eastern larch, hackmatack and even eastern juniper, though they are not a true juniper.

Anyway, our woods are full of these yellow conifers at the moment. The proper name is actually Larix laricina. Now you know more than you wanted to know, I'm sure, but they are unique to us.

The wood is used for planking, timbers, ties, poles, sign post, pilings and pulp, being heavy and strong.

Tom and I went to Caribou which is at the top of Maine this week to attend the Maine American Baptist Annual Conference where he is on the Board and was a delegate. On the way the predominant tree, it seemed was the tamarack. They stood out so vividly with their shining yellow color among the firs along the highway. It was a six hour drive so we saw lots of trees and nothing else except potato fields for miles and miles.

We also had wonderful views of Mt. Katadin, the highest mountain in Maine. A recent snow had made the view very interesting, though the range was not completely snow covered. Daughter Beth says there are actually two mountains in the range with 4,000 foot elevation separated by a small valley between. She should know having climbed them! I forgot the camera, so no image.

Tom and I visited the beaver dam again today. The little critters have actually made our river almost into a large pond. There is still current but my favorite spot at Poet's Point is nearly still water.

Rain last night caused more to flow over the dam but the structure seems strong. The water level has about a two to three foot change at the dam.