Today turned out one of those perfect early spring days. Not quite like the succession of four days that surprised us several weeks ago when we were suddenly plunged into what felt incredibly like summer, but the kind of day in early spring that is so perfect (and typical for this region at this time of year) it calls out to be enjoyed in the most natural of settings. And for us and for other people living in the wider community through which this forested ravine runs, we have access to the most natural of settings.

 

 

A mostly sunny day, despite that the forecast called for afternoon showers and evening thunderstorms. The sun so bright it pierces through every nook and cranny, both out-of-doors and indoors. And with a temperature that lifted itself to a pleasant 22C. Oh, and a storm-tossed wind that blew incessantly but was in fact pleasant, given the mild temperature.

 

 

Today turned out, in fact, to be a day of discovery. Apart from the fact that for a change the allure of the forest and the intersection of the weather brought out a relatively large number of people to enjoy the atmosphere and the landscape. We happened to bump into a new neighbour out with his rambunctious year-old dog. When I asked after his wife, he told us, beaming, that they now have a week-old little girl.

 

 

There were ravine acquaintances we haven't seen in a while, all out with their dogs loping through the trails, everyone feeling comfortable and appreciative of the rapidly drying trails, after last night's rain event. We decided we would take an extra-long circuit, mostly because it was so lovely out, but also because we were curious about some areas of the forest where we know the first spring flowers will be emerging. Not exactly discounting the Coltsfoot, but they're old news by now.

 

 

On the way, Irving was gently confronted by a bevy of dogs, old friends who are very aware that he is a walking cookie dispenser, and who position themselves patiently beside him, awaiting the inevitable offer: 'Cookie?' They affirm that to be their goal and Irving is happy to oblige. And so are our own pups, awaiting their 'fair' turn. There were so many of these serendipitous little gatherings it was a miracle Irving had stocked up enough to go around.

 

And then came the discoveries. First, that the maple trees had begun dropping the bright crimson florets that precede the production of foliage. The tiny red florets are now beginning to litter the forest floor under the fine old maples amidst the forest deciduous trees. In a sense, although the florets flourish brightly in the canopy of maples they can be considered among the first of the spring flowers.

 

Then as we accessed one of the furthest trails we round on a lengthy circuit, we could see an old familiar colony of trout lilies emerging. They're not found everywhere in the forest, and in this particular area they have spread and taken over the early spring forest floor. They're taking advantage of the early spring sun able to penetrate the still-unleafed forest canopy. In another week or two they will begin to send up their delicate little golden-headed blooms.

 

And then, further on, in an area that always hosts trilliums, we were surprised to see the plants already emerged. We had seen nothing of either trilliums or trout lilies mere days earlier. The irresistible combination of milder temperatures and brilliant sun represents the perfect formula these early spring-flowering woodland plants respond to. Although the buds of the flowers are there, dangling above the tri-leafed plant, they too are not yet open, but will be shortly.