Happy Earth Day!

I can't believe how hard of a time I had finding some one to go on a hike with me on Earth Day.

But, in the end, Shone came trough for me.

We did a repeat of our last week's hike, the Pine and Cedar Lakes hike.

This time, we more thoroughly explored Cedar lake as we covered Pine Lake pretty well last week.

Cedar Lake was much easier to explore the perimeter of as it actually had a trail all the way around it.

We saw a few ducks, one of which was doing some sort of splash dance in the water while we observed.

We met a stump and Shona almost took a spill in the lake.

After a few cookies and sufficient photo documentation, we set off for our descent.

The way down was enjoyable.

We saw a huge Wood Pecker doing a number on a tree.

He really was not at all phased by our presence so we took a lot of pictures of him, got very close to him, and talked to him. Not a superb conversationalist.

Next we ran into our friend Emiko. It was surprising and joyous.

After about 15 more minutes of knee jerking down hill fun, we reached the car.

As Shona has never experienced the pleasure of a stinging nettle and has been complaining about it for some time now, we decided to check that off of her to do list.

For support and because she was a little nervous about her first time, I also indulged in some nettle.

I gently brushed the back of my hand on the underside of a leaf while Shona raped her forearm with an entire plant.

It was more nostalgic than painful for me, but I don't think I can say the same for Shona.

All in all, a lovely day for a hike and a happy Earth Day.