April 19, 2017
Three weeks ago, when I broke my collarbone, Winter was still in charge of the forest, with Spring shyly peeping between the trees, barely showing the hem of her petticoat. When we returned to the mountains, Spring had taken center stage, kicking up her heels, showing flounces, ruffles, and lace in a wild display of joyous life!
The brown leaf covering of the forest floor is transformed into a carpet of glowing, vibrant GREEN! Mayapples unfurl their umbrellas. Twin bunny-ear-shaped ramps poke above spotted trout lily leaves. Heart-shaped violet leaves give way to compound shaggy Dutchman’s breeches. And everywhere, the small narrow lance-like leaf blades of spring beauties fill in the background.
That emerald backdrop is the canvas for some truly beautiful blooms. Yellow-white Dutchman’s breeches hang from slender stems, like laundry out to dry. Pink-striped white spring beauties cover the ground, imitating scattered snow flakes. Purple, yellow, and white violets lift painted faces to the sun, while yellow trout lilies hang their heads but curl their petals back in a shy invitation to the bees. Hugging the ground, tiny gaywings add spots of purple, and giant red trilliums nod above them all.
On our first day back on the trail, Jay and I were awed and enthralled. We stopped to rest on a fallen log, surrounded by acres, miles, of beauty, a cathedral of life. Jay spoke for us both. “I’m glad we didn’t miss this.”
Sarah and Jay Hike 
What a beautiful picture of Spring I now have in my mind! Thank you for sharing the glory that most of us will ever see with our own eyes. I’m glad we have you to look and paint the picture for us. Noe we can “re-look” as much as we want.
We hope you have grand views, adventures, and safety on your continued walk and most of all, safety.
We will see you, look at pictures, and listen to your stories when you are done.
John (and Martha)
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Thank you, Uncle John! (and Aunt Martha). A compliment on my writing means a great deal, coming from you! I’m glad you felt you could “see” the picture I was trying to word-paint!
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Would love to see some flower photos. And, yes, I too, am glad you did not miss out on spring hiking!
Love you,
Peggy
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The flower pictures are delayed for another ten days or so. Nothing like the mountains for disrupting internet!
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