Woke up not sick today, so that was good. I still have something, but after 24+ hours, it remains just a runny nose, so I think it’s mostly like allergies from the billions of wet leaves that cover the ground after the snow melt. Then again, I’m no doctor, but I do have a costume in the bedroom closet for special occasions. In any event, allergy meds are doing the job for now.

With my snot under control, I headed out for the day’s lumber with a photo plan. I have noticed more and more ducks congregating with the geese in the wide, slow part of the river. And since I struggle with getting images of waterfowl, I decided to take my 200-600mm lens and start the hike with 1/2 mile loop near the river, try to get some shots, and then swing by Escape II and swap to my little 350mm lens. And it worked! Well, at least I think it did.

I mean, images can always be better, but despite a slight shiver in my excited hands from the 15˚ temps, I was able to get a few shots of some Common Mergansers, and a goose or two. Not my best work, but one plan often leads to another, and better images!

Sadly, 75% of the trails are still solid ice, and spikes were needed again, but with the critters emerging from the long winter, it’s hard not to get excited about warmer temps and longer hikes down the trail. But for the foreseeable future, it’s wear spikes or break a hip.

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I was able to get a few more shots along the way, and finished the hike with 5.68 miles in my feetz. Hoping for more tomorrow.

Later.