As seems to be the case over the past couple of months, the week was not the greatest for lumbering, but I made the most of my three hikes, enjoyed time outside, and played with my camera along the way.

I got out on Saturday morning for another short lumber on the crunchy ice, and along the way there were a few things that brought me joy.

First, as I made my way along the reeds and willows along the Covered Bridge Trail, I could hear the calls of a Red-winged Blackbird. It’s pretty early for them to be back for breeding, but it was a sign that spring is coming for sure! Sadly, the blackbird was way out in the middle of the reeds, so a shot was impossible.

Then, as I was finishing and making my way down the icy main park path to the parking lot, a couple of Minks ran out in front of me as they joyously chased around through the riverside brush. Even though they were too close and too fast for a shot, I attempted one anyway.

As you can see, I did not get the shot. It was so cool to see, though, and only the second time in my life that I have seen Minks in the wild. Cursed minimum focal distance!

The weather for the week ahead looks OK, with some light snow, but as long as the cold lumber-time downpours stay away, I am hoping that things finally get back on track and I start feeling myself again.

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On Saturday morning, I also ran into the Chatty, Friendly Trail Runner That I Never  Understand (he’s gasping for air, I can’t hear well). This time, as he passed, I THINK he yelled, “YOU COULD REALLY BREAK UP WITH SOMEONE BACK THERE IF YOU WANTED TO, HA! HA! HA! HA!” Which I think had something to do with some of the ice on the trail breaking up. But I could be wrong.

Here’s a bonus pic of a Red Squirrel that came to visit on the deck. It was too cute not to take a photo of.

Later.