Mallardy Ridge, Memorial Day Hike

Janice offered to drive. She said we could turn around at the meadow instead of the full trail hike as described in her Best Hikes with Kids book. She was scouting for her summer class. Yet, half way up the mountain dirt road, I noticed that the trail was best recommended for July to October.

The little red car couldn't make it to the trail head. So we walked in about a mile to the trail head, and proceeded up the narrow, wet trail. About two miles in, we lost the trail due to the snow. The terrain flattened out and I thought maybe this is the meadow.

Sure enough, beneath the ten foot walls of snow was the meadow stream babbling away. Marsh marigold (Caltha spp.) were blooming in the banks. Other botanical beauties spotted on this jaunt: colts foot, british soliders (lichen), and early droopy leaves of the vine maple.

Ahh! Spring.