Back at the Springs

They both listened silently to the water, 

which to them was not just water, 

but the voice of life, 

the voice of Being, 

the voice of perpetual Becoming. 

~ Hermann Hesse, Siddhartha

Swallowtail - actually an Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

I cannot remember my last trip out to the springs. Maybe it was a quick check of the milkweed growing near the dam. Whatever. It's easily been a year and probably more. And now, finally, the park is open again.*

We gathered at the south entrance and wandered in below the dam. The trails were clear and well marked. The company was the best - three humans and two dogs. Some folks might say "not enough dogs."** For today it was the perfect number.

The shady paths lured us deeper and deeper into the park. The springs sang as we walked over or past. Wildflowers bloomed.

But there was no milkweed...

The water in places was a bit stagnant...we need some good rain.

I'm ready for more hikes.

We took turns going first - blazing our path though the spider webs.

Thirsty dogs drink from the clear spring water (Zelda and Kason).

It's a vervain...but I need to research more.

Signs of the devil - Eastern Cottonwood seeds

One of my good (easy to identify) friends - Inland Sea Oats

We were first down some of the trails. You can just see the sun reflecting off this spider web.

This is some tree. It looks like two trunks grew together leaving spaces on each side.

Buffalo Gourd

Day Flower

We will be back.

NOTES:

*The foundation that managed the springs turned it back to the Corps of Engineers. Fortunately the two bordering cities collaborated to share responsibility. Volunteers have been at work.

**I miss my friend, SB, the dog whisperer and his pack.