Local HIke

We visited a few nearby parks for some hiking.

First stop was the Bray Family Homestead, 

a new park still undergoing development.

The park includes several farm fields,

several farm buildings,

and a mature woodlot.

Not much here to see to we traveled on.

Next stop was MacGregor Park near highways 31 & 38.

 

 The nature park has a 1.5 mile trail through a woods and over Hinkle Creek.

We spotted a red tailed hawk and some early Spring wildflowers.

Bloodroot

 

Dutchman's Breeches

Spring is finally here.

Wildflowers are Popping Up

This is hepatica, also called Liverwort.

Snakes Alive!

I found this garter snake on the trail.

Hello!

A New Park - The Rookery Preserve

A new park has opened near the ranch.

Its a blue heron rookery.

The large nests are easy to spot now before the leaves are on the trees.

Can you see the four herons?

Waiting for her mate to return with building material.

Collecting sticks

A pair on the nest

The new park, called Rookery Preserve, has an observation platform and ample parking.
How fortunate we are to have this property donated for a county park.

Signs of Spring

The earliest wildflowers are blooming, 

the tiny Harbinger of Spring.

They are so tiny they are easy to miss.

But they earn their name, they are the first of many Spring wildflowers.

Smokey Says....

After a long winter with lots of snow,

its time to lower the fire risk.

The oldest granddaughter gets the honor.

As squishy as it is, I think we are safe with a low rating!

Easter at the Blue Rock

Easter at the Blue Rock and we have a new addition to our family.
New grandson Maverick Tyler made an unexpected early arrival just in time for Easter.

Here he is meeting his great grandpa for the first time.

 The grandkids are eager for the annual Easter egg hunt.

Discovering eggs

No eggs over here....

 Hurry!

Carrying her loot

Happy egg hunters

Hope your Easter was fun & flavorful!