The result of continuous days of drenching rain, cool weather and the consequent challenge to the surrounding soil to absorb it all, meant that the creek down in the bowels of the ravine was unable to restrain itself to its normal levels during springtime runoff.  The hillsides were a riot of bright-green, utterly soaked trees.  The weight of the drenching on branches and leaves resulted in both wrenching themselves from their host, and falling to litter the ground below.

The trails were deep in muck and in many surprising areas, standing pools of muddy water.

Two large, mature trees had succumbed to the burden they could no longer sustain.  A bass and a willow, both standing at disparate places on the banks of the creek had completely bowed over, to the extent that the branches of each extended and fell over to the opposite bank, obscuring the trail, necessitating that alternate routes be taken.

The creek's rushing-whirling dash downstream will subside as soon as the weather begins to clear and sun makes its appearance once again, warming the atmosphere and wind does its work, helping to dry the environment.

And buttercups have made their appearance, despite the deluge, brightening up the green appearance with their insouciant little faces turned toward the general aspect of where the sun should be.  Along with a veritable starry multitude of raspberry flowers, presaging a good harvest of those berries in the months ahead.