Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, May 17, 1934

To Gowanda in search of sponge mushrooms— A clear cool morning – I took the route along the cliff above the glue works, which has become like a pilgrimage almost – and so it seemed to me this morning, my first visit here since early last Fall —

Apparently less rain has fallen here than at Gardenville, for it is very dry. The expected fresh lushness of May is lacking – many young trees are dead from last winter’s cold, and everywhere I see signs of yesterday’s freeze—withered sumac, butternut & walnut-

The Pine grove on the knoll— a refreshing dark coolness – the creek is low, and is of a vivid robin’s egg blue, very beautiful in contrast to the yellow green foliage of the trees around – the fragile beauty of fringed Polygala. The promontory where I painted “March Sunlight,” grows smaller each year as erosion eats away the edge. Down the steep hillside to creek – Hot & sultry down here – the high cliffs above look ominous, and great masses of slaty rock look ready to fall at any time. Searching for mushrooms – difficult to see in the bright sunlight as they are of a color with the dead leaves – find enough for a little “mess”—explore little grove east of “Martin’s Point”—a distinct druidic feeling about this woods not usually present in such places. The fantastic cataract coming down the stony hillside, —strange I never discovered it before –
Climb up hillside here – a hot sweaty struggle, and I arrive at top completely winded & panting – I lay flat on my back under some evergreens—pleasant to see the sky thru their lacy branches.

Thru a hollow and up hilly woods to the knolls rising east of the canyon. Eat lunch here in a spot sheltered by scrubby evergreens with a wide expanse of country to the west—after which head for Gowanda- pick bouquet of polygala—the woman with baby in a buggy walking along the road—the long white dusty road stretching out in the sunshine.- Along here a few apple trees by the road, a brisk wind scattering petals—the trunks against green oats field had a rich velvety violet color –

Gather poke-greens, and then on to Gowanda—train at 3:00 – arrive home at 4:30—

Poke & mushrooms for supper—

Charles E. Burchfield, May 17, 1934