No more snow in the woods! Rather the rain stopped and we delighted in signs of Spring along the beautiful steep ups and zig zag downs of the Pocumtuck Ridge Trail. Trailing Arbutus (or Mayflower) in full bloom was spattered all along the trail. Sukee had good clear water to drink (and lie in) from in so many clear, cold little streams. The colorful red efts have emerged and we were mindful of not stepping on them. We took time to watch the always amusing progress of an inchworm on Conrad’s hand. A 15 inch or longer garter snake warmed itself in the sun, unmoved by us, and perhaps not long out of “hibernation”. Tony found a welcome seat between two trees. Masses of blood root carpeted parts of the woods. And Hepatica!!!!! Both white and lavender blue were the icing on the hiking day cake. Can’t end without mentioning Chips progress on the Appalachian Trail! Over 500 miles so far!! Thursday hiker envy:) Go Chip! Love, Penny 
Leave a Reply