As alluded to, we went hiking at John Bryan Park after being away all winter.  It was in the 60s and very green for February, as is predicted for the whole week.  E has lived her whole life here, and says it has never been this mild and green in winter.  Crowds of people and dogs were out walking.

I’ll post this in two parts.

The old bridge was more dilapidated than ever, but we crossed it as usual.  We were glad to see old and new evidence of beaver activity.  There were lots of fascinating bright fungi and lichens, and lush colorful green mosses, ferns, herbaceous natives, and water plants, as well as impressive tree sculptures.  The river, streams, and waterfalls were gushing.  It felt like the verge of spring, in winter.

Please see part 2.