Late winter, or early spring?

It was an exercise in perspective in the woods yesterday. On the one hand, there was no new growth, and very few birds around. But on the other hand, it was well above freezing… though whether in the high 40s or low 50s, I’m not sure.

Still, last week, it looked like this:

So I’ve decided to go with early spring.

Not far in, we came upon a large bird blind that suggested what it might be like to be put in the stocks.

The light created contrasts of all kinds and gave this grove an enchanted feel.

I’ve never noticed quite so much debris from the spruces on the forest floor — “evergreen,” though no longer attached to the trees.

Inviting benches were scattered at various points…

…and chilly looking streams.

Though we didn’t see much, venturing out, stopping now and then to listen, and remembering the many previous walks on these trails brought the usual nourishment. It may not be spring proper yet, but the sense of breaking out of my indoor habits of mind and body felt wonderful. And those bits of green moss on rocks and stumps foreshadow the burst of spring growth that’s drawing nearer with each passing, lengthening day.