Friday

Sunday

Monday

On December 15, fourteen hikers braved the snow to enjoy the Springwater outdoors at Schribner Rd. Linda led half of the group to the top of the hills providing a view of the Mehlenbacher fields.  Cold winds blowing across the fields quickly sent the hikers back into the woods for the continuation of the hike around more protected fields.  Mark led the rest of the group around the fields on the east side of the creek.  Duffy was a bit skeptical about hiking through 12 inches of snow in temperatures in the 20s, but Joan and Bob created a good trail for him with their snowshoes and we were able to investigate many of the different trees on the property.  The evergreens were dominated by White and Red pines, but also included Scotch Pine, Larch, Spruce trees.  Gene pointed out that Spruce trees have Spruce Cones, not Pine Cones!

Following the hike, we were joined by five additional friends for good food and good conversation.  Joan announced the hikers who had earned a membership in Springwater Trails, Inc for 2014 by completing 20 hikes with the group or by coordinating our hikes for a season.  Joan provided each new member with a cross stitch ornament. Congratulations to Gene, Georgia, Char, Pati, Melissa, Bob, Linda, Mark, Joan, Ann, Pam, Dena, Jerri, Bonnie and Nanette.  We also want to thank all hikers who joined Springwater Trails for a Sunday hike during 2013.  It is your encouragement and friendship that energizes the entire group.

Meanwhile, it continues to snow in Springwater.