Along the East Coast of the eighteenth century, the early colonies constructed a series of forts for coastal defense, collectively known as the East Coast Coastal Fortifications.  These were the guardians of the nation soon to emerge. While some have been lost to time, others have been preserved as parks and historic landmarks. This particular fort anchors a small park near Salem, where the humble stone walls have survived the weather and change for hundreds of years. The vivid colors, though unexpected, faithfully capture an early autumn day in 2019. Here you may still find a peaceful quiet trail weaving a path under the trees in the narrow edge between the ocean and the earthen embankments.