It may not feel like it but, a definite sigh of spring was seen at Katherine’s, last Sunday.  The pussy willow buds had broken and the familiar catkins were coming out.  This is one of the first buds to germinate, and occurs around this time, every year.  What do you think causes this?  Probably not temperature, because that’s not the same every year, but something that’s always the same.  Let me know what you think it is.

The next sign of spring will occur a week after this Sunday.  Guess what it is, before you read further.  OK, it’s the return to daylight savings time.  Remember, you saw it here, first.

The current forecast, for the end of this week, calls for temps in the 20s, with a little fresh snow.  Remember, March comes in like a lion.  Anyway, we may be able to get in another Sunday of skiing and snowshoeing at Swain, thanks to the little varmint from PA, who saw his shadow.  Soon, we’re going to be checking hemlock trees for an invasive killer but, we have to wait till the 6 weeks are up, and the snow is gone.

I never really explored Mendon Ponds before, however due to the size of the park, studying 3 different maps, driving around the park to scope out the entire park, and walking the trails required over 6 hours of preview to design 4 different skill level hikes.  Not all hikes require this type of planning which includes car pooling locations, after hike social location, road directions, coordination of cars, pick up location for distance walkers, then considering the skill levels of our hikers to ensure a good experience for all.  Regardless of a light rain, many bright yellow rain jackets were visable to find any lost hikers along the path.  The Naturalists  first explored Wild Wings and listened to the calls of the injured Bald Eagle and blind Barred Owl.  They were also surprised by the small size of the bobcat and would highly recommend visiting the center to experience the various injured raptors that are housed there.  Feeding the chickadees was another delight on the Bird Song Trail.   Although sunflower seeds were normally fed to the chickadees from an outstretched hand, Cole Masterson experimented by feeding them from the top of his head. Other birds such as a rufted titmouse, cardinals and nuthatches could be seen along the trail, as well as numerous deer and squirrels.

The Tourists explored the  Grasslands Trail in search of the map observation point to view Rochester.  However due to the many unmarked side trails that are in this area, they got a little lost and bushwacked through the forest in the direction of the  “Devil’s Bathtub”.  A sense of direction proved correct and they were relieved to locate a good example of a kettle from the west side.  They continued down the steps into the bathtub area, then proceeded on top of what was thought to be an esker on the West Esker Trail to Hopkins Point,  returning to the observation point between Hundred Acres and Deep Pond. At this site only a few geese were seen on the ponds, the rain had subsided for a short period of time and a refreshing breeze between the ponds made for a good resting spot. The Tourists finalized their hike to feed the chickadees  on the Bird Song Trail which was very exciting to all, especially to those who have not experienced the tickle and flutter of these friendly little birds.  Pati demonstrated her photography skills by trying to quickly capture their beauty.

Eight climbers and four dogs headed across the park to the East Esker Trail.  As Riley Masterson said, these hikers were like the energizer bunnies.  They fall down, get back up and just keep right on going.  After being properly impressed by the Devils Bathtub, we headed across the connection between the 100 Acres Pond and the Deep Pond.  On the east side of the bridge, we turned right to avoid the swampy trail that we had found on the pre-hike.  As a result, we avoided about 100 feet of swamp by going through a quarter mile of swamp – oh well!

After crossing the road, we followed the green trail around more kettles, over kames and along eskers.  It was such fun to hear what the other hikers knew about glaciers and to see up close the results on our land.  We took a short cut up a kame to the highest point in the park.  Riley may not have noticed, but us older hikers definitely got our hearts pumping on that climb.

Dena sent a picture she took back in 2009. She fed the chickadee with her left hand and took the picture with her right hand – what a challenge!

Across Pond Rd, we followed the Southern Meadow trail with a short side trip to see Quaker Pond, filled with geese.  The Southern Meadow looks like a nice cross country ski trail, especially for those of us who get nervous on the hills of the East Esker trail.

We had left a car at the Mendon Center Rd entrance and were able to take Melissa and John and the Prenners back to their cars at the Nature Center.  It was a good hike, but with the rain, I was very happy to get to the warm social.

Our after hike social was a “Thanksgiving” meal, complete with a 24 lb 7 hour baked turkey, stuffing, cornbread, salads and desserts  at the Masterson’s home in Mendon. Springwater trails would like to thank the Mastersons for being great hosts and sharing their home with 15 very wet hikers who leave their muddy hiking boots at the door in a strange order.