Super Sweet Sights...

Rain was predicted throughout the day but the thunder and downpour seemed to be over the valley and the sun was beckoning us after we finished lunch.  Our annual Pasque flower walk didn't happen on Easter weekend due to the extremely cold weather. Nothing new was poking its head through the earth that weekend.

Today the sun was warm but I knew where we were heading would require long sleeves due to buckthorn and blackberry brambles. I would have to deal with the heat to protect the ole body...

Anyhow  I have mentioned that it's still pretty brown here. The upside of the color brown makes it easier to spot color. The moss was in its heyday due to the extra moisture.

The first uphill walk of the season is always tough and those leg muscles were already screaming. Why after all that exercise are there still muscles that seem unused?  Ibuprofen might be my bud before night time.


The new growth is a beautiful chartreuse. The baby maiden hair fern were trying their best to get a start as the moss had a growth spurt. Who knew that the woods's fallen logs and trunks are nature's chia pets. Some of the stumps looked as if they were draped in green velvet.


As my eyes tended to be down, a very unusual bird sound like it was in distress made me look up. This 'ginormous' pair of woodpeckers flew off overhead. The bird call must have been their warning sign as we were entering their territory. You'll just have to believe me and my only proof was  the tree we soon came upon that they must have been working on. Come to think of it after seeing their work maybe they flew into town to have their beaks sharpened.  Look at the size of those holes. I have seen one pileated at the house maybe a year ago but never a pair. Maybe there will be baby pileated around this summer!


The real show stopper was yet to come as we approached where the Pasque Flower colony has been for some 30 years according to Natureman. Would we be too late?   Had the deer/rabbits made a meal out of them leaving only their stalks/ had the rain and cold done a number on this tiny plant?

These crocus are pretty resilient as they somehow grow right out of the limestone.

 

Looks like more will be joining them this weekend.  Look at the growth next to the ones in the pic above.

A cold front is heading in so I am glad that we got to see those blooming ones today because who knows what will be left of these petals after the predicted  hail. 

Aren't they sweet?

Whether they are alone/ hanging with a bud/ buddies, I think they are just perfect with their striated petals.

The rocks are spectacular planters decorated with stunning lichen this year.

 Like 'em lichen?

It was an exceptional visit to see the Pasque Flower this year. Thank goodness we beat the other creatures that like to frequent this area. 

You bet we are tired. That walk can tire any 'body' out...


AND Let's call a hike a hike right here in the
End of the Rainbow Valley...