First hike after the snow

Ina and Barb on the trail

It was pretty neat to see how much the snow has receded from our hiking areas, partly because of the warm rain, and partly because it's been almost a week since it fell. It was mostly clear, but there were icy patches, so we Senior Trailblazers kept our eyes open and used our trekking poles to help keep us upright. But after I had gone five days with no exercise at all, I was happy that we went five miles from Marine Park through the 100 Acre Woods and the Interurban trail. It was a round trip amount, and there were 14 of us altogether to start. We didn't know what we would encounter, but, other than some wet patches and the intermittent ice, the footing was great!

Heron nests in the trees

We passed by the Post Point Heron Rookery, a place where Great Blue Herons come to raise their young during the spring. You can learn more about the city's attempts at protecting them here. From that link:

The herons typically occupy the site annually between February and August. They utilize a variety of habitats in and around the colony for nesting, roosting, loafing, foraging and staging. 

Back at Marine Park

It's hard to believe that less than a week ago, we were caught in the huge snowstorm, but the weather cooperated to help us get back to our normal environment. All that snowmelt should make for plenty of wildflowers to sprout a few months from now. Of course, we have two more months of winter to get through before that happens, and who knows what that will bring? Hopefully, we will emerge with plenty of moisture for growing flowers and veggies once the sunshine returns. In any event, so far we have been quite fortunate, especially when I look at what is happening in the rest of the country.

And I am quite happy to have gotten my exercise routine back on track! Hope you are having a good week and that you will enjoy a a bit of exercise yourself. 

:-)