My friend and hiking counterpart Krista do the WNY Hiking Challenge. We needed to get out–it seemed like such a long time and with all the rain, life’s moments and just other things we found to do, we had not been out hiking in quite awhile. We decided on the rail trail. What a great idea to convert railroad paths to walking paths. Even though it was a bit chilly, off we went. It lured us into a nice steady walk with some pea sized gravel, but eventually the gravel became more rocky, however we prevailed. We hike about three miles out, turned and came back. Our feet hurt!

Along the way we were trying to spot some spring ephemerals. We did! Also, we found some morels. It is only really the second time I have spotted them.. Very cool. One of our tasks was to take a photo of a spring flower, Our motto became, “we can do better than that one.” I think we did quite well. I did take a photo of a dandelion to include in my photos so it wouldn’t feel bad about itself. Just think about the resilience of a dandelion, perhaps we all need to be like one. Able to grow anywhere and survive. It dies off and suddenly, it bursts forth these beautiful puffy seeds to be wind swept into the air like wishes sent out to the cosmos. Who hasn’t picked a dandelion that has gone to seed and blown on it to spread wishes? If you haven’t, get busy.

We also spotted a Jack in the Pulpit. I was proud of finding that plant. (Arisaema triphyllum) According to the DEC they can live for more than 20 years and often take awhile to develop and flower. Every time I see one, I feel privileged! They are just so unique. I just think you might have to develop an eye for them–they are out there hiding for you to find. Later they will produce these definitively red berries that you will be able to immediately identify and say “there’s a jack in the pulpit!” Remember where you spotted them and go back next year!

Also pictured above are ” Forget Me Nots.” How cute are they? They are this delicate blue with yellow centers and just create such a burst of happiness in the woods! Just look at that color blue–can you ever create that in an art studio? Then of course, the wild strawberry flowers. I remember when I was little, picking tiny strawberries later in spring and gobbling them up. Yup, dirt and all and I am still here to talk about it. They always seem to appear in more trodden on areas with sandier soil. Sometimes the are called the woodland strawberry. They were EVERYWHERE! No fruit yet, but lots and lots of flowers!

Morels. They are just a great thing to take a photo of. Just appear out of nowhere to grace us with their presence. Since I would never eat a mushroom that I foraged, I happily let them continue to be just where they were and took a photo. They are just so unique and quite a sought after delicacy for some people. They are a sought after photo for me!

Every single time we complete our hike we are so much happier and actually proud that we got out and moving! We never cease to spot something to remember and enjoy catching up and chatting. Get out, create those connections, and enjoy nature. Oh! Go for a cup of coffee or tea after as a bit of a reward. Chat about what you saw and plan your next adventure!