Finally green

I went for a walk in the woods today, with my camera.

It started to rain just as soon as I got onto the trail, but I just put my hoodie's hood up, and kept going. The rain brought the fragrance of the woods and the creek to a new level of pungency that was very pleasing.

The nice thing about the lowering clouds and gentle rain was that people left. I had more space to myself.

Things have FINALLY greened up around here. Like last year, spring has been late in coming again.

Steady rains over the past few weeks have left the creek at a very high level, and there is standing water in the woods where none should be. It will be prime mosquito breeding season pretty soon, so it was good to get out and walk today, before that starts.

Since I have been so sick, and am still dealing with a pretty strenuous cough, I walked and rested, walked and rested.

During one of my rests, I got to watch and listen to a pair of orioles flirting with one another. Their color was striking, against the steel gray sky, and the bright spring green of the new leaves.

I went to one of my favorite out of the way spots, and lay down on the bench under the shelter. I just lay there and listened to the woods. It was very good for my soul to do this.

Little leopard spotted frogs were raising a chorus in the cat tails, and there were lots of mallard ducks around.

I didn't see the resident muskrats, or any beaver, but I did see the handiwork of the beaver.

The clouds broke up and brilliant blue shone behind the thunder heads, and I went on my way. Spotted some of my favorite wild plants, including hepatica and rue, pictured above.

It was a good walk. (remember, you can click directly on the images for a full screen view)