First Hike Of The New Year

We are hoping to make this the year of hiking.  We all like to do it.  We have the equipment for it.  We can make the time.  And it is the cheapest thing you can do. Not to forget that it is good for us all...including Ella AKA the torpedo.

First stop on our tour was the bird blind.  Of course.

Lots of action today but not many good pics...someone couldn't keep their walking stick quiet.

New boardwalk

water bubbles under the ice

The only time Ellis wanted a walking stick was when there was ice to shatter.

Pappy on the first overlook of the day.

I am going to email by favorite naturalist, Lester Peyton, at the Nature Center and find out that this is.

Sitting...still...and a smile.  I must be living right today!

Alaire has informed me that from now on when I am taking a picture of her she is going to smile like Michael.  Oh great!

She that beautiful blue spot in the center of the picture...I am betting all the money I have in my pockets that it is a indigo bunting.

Dan and Joy I took this shot just for you.  Mark now owns two poles that help him navigate down hills.  No spills today.

So parts of the trails were really muddy.  I am the mud lookout...go right, go left, go around the trees and under the fallen oak, stay on the side...just don't walk down the middle.  And just look who was following directions and who was not!  At one point I had to carry her like a sack of taters.  We have decided that they should have a spare pair of boots that stay at Wammy's.  Their mom is going to kill me when she sees their shoes and clothes.

Break time

I know when Ellis has had enough of my camera...this is what I get...the major head turn.

And I came home to this in the burning bush in the back yard.

 

Great day for hiking.  Lots and lots of people taking in the sunshine before the snow hits tomorrow.  Lots of people passing on the trail and saying Happy New Year.  Talked to one guy that had on a WISCONSIN hoodie, the owner of a really skinny beagle and the owners of RRT.  It was a great day.  And let's just say the hot tub was the icing on the cake.

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR