Hiking 1:30:00 [2]
Hiked the Ledges Trail at Niquette Bay State Park to see the spring ephemeral wildflowers--an annual tradition. Kim, Laura, Greg, Sara and Me. Lovely day--only nice day all week. A little early with bloodroot and hepatica still in bloom. Not so many of the red nodding trillium this year, trillium grandiflorum glowing where the sun shone on them--some in large patches. Seems like fewer flowers this year--maybe too much dog/people damage from overuse and not staying on the trail. Also saw lots of Dutchmen's Breeches, early meadow rue, columbine, early saxifrage, viola sp., blue cohosh (fewer than usual), spring beauties just beginning, American wild ginger, wild sasparilla, bishop's miter, hobblebush near the lake. Lake was quite high from all the rain this spring--almost up to the top of the boardwalk over the reentrant by the lake. Some trees have now been labeled--surprised by the bark on a big-toothed aspen--just know it by the leaves. Great place. Love it every year. Gave a nod to friend Julie who's ashes were spread there. She introduced us to this wonderful place. Miss her.
