Miscellaneous Early Spring Pictures

Here are some random pictures over the last month since the weather has been nice enough for outdoor activity. Most are from walks at various parks with Elaine. That girl does more hiking on crutches than I do... ever. To be fair, I have a lot of important websites to read back home.

These first few pictures are from the Mill Grove sanctuary and historic site, which features the home of John James Audubon. There were lots of birds, and a decent amount of trails we didn't get to explore. I'd like to get back on my bike this summer.

The next few pictures are with Elaine and her sister, Grace. We picked up lunch at Qdoba and ate at a picnic table in Valley Forge park. While Elaine and I talked and watched children play, Grace decided she would make it to the arch and back on crutches. It was a pretty good distance to travel, I certainly had no interest in trying. People fell all over themselves to get out of her way. She made it to the arch but walked back carrying the crutches. I wonder if any of the people were upset that they were considerate to a poser.

Afterward we hiked an even longer distance (with Elaine using the crutches) out to a tree in which I'd spent some time reading books and writing in journals. Elaine sat at the base while Grace climbed around and I took pictures. There were some children playing there too, climbing and eventually jumping out of the tree.

There are lots of trails in Valley Forge, the next set is from two different occasions on the Schuylkill River Trail. We came on different days and started at different ends. I'm sure we'll try the entire trail when her ankle is sturdier.

We saw some deer the first time (big surprise in Valley Forge) and tried to make friends. They didn't want the saltine crackers I offered. Bunch of stuck up does. Maybe they could just sense the evil vibe Elaine gives off.

The next couple pictures are from a visit to the commander-in-chief's headquarters, also part of Valley Forge. There was a nifty old boarded up train station and a closed trail I'd like to check out some day.

This last picture is my temporary new friend, a mourning dove. She has a nest in the flower box by my front door so I can't put in any plants yet. It is amazing how close I can get. I did spook her once though. I wanted to give her some food - a nice gesture I thought - and looked up what they eat online. I had no seed, but they eat fruit too. All I had for fruit was raisins though. I tossed in a handful and she flew to my cherry tree, a few feet away. She returned when I went back inside. The raisins are still sitting there uneaten.