Silver City to Boehner Pond~

 Another perfect day in a string of beautiful spring days.  I was anxious to get out on the trail & see if the Dutchmen's Breeches were blooming in the same spot I'd found them last year.  Starting out & seeing the first flush of green in the trees was a great welcome.  The shoulders of the trail too, are turning green & the grass is growing!

Shadow on the trail~

The surface was rock hard; the little rain we've had hasn't softened it at all.  In the photo above you can see the dust in the air ahead, from a car passing on the nearby gravel road.  

Silver Creek~

I stopped a few times just to soak in the day & enjoy the sound of the birds singing in the trees.  All was quiet at the Trestle. The level of Silver Creek has gone down, with only one decent rain in forever.  At least the bottom isn't showing as it had been late this summer.  I appreciated having it to myself.

Dutchman's Breeches~

Success!  As I reached the area where I'd found the flowers last April, I really had to look to find some this year.  The clump above was the largest.  There were only a few, maybe less than 30% of the blooms that had covered the hillside.  I can only guess the dry month may have something to do with it, or possibly they bloom profusely in cycles.  These were almost past their prime, but still beautiful & so unique looking!

Almost to Malvern~

Reaching the concrete riding south toward Malvern, I could smell the blooming trees before I reached to them!  They look like a cherry bloom, but I'm not sure exactly what variety they are. They almost glowed with the bright white against the blue sky & fresh green grass.  I didn't go all the way to the Depot in town but turned off to the pond.

My break spot~

This is where I was sitting, when I was suddenly knocked over from behind!  I had been straddling the bench seat, eating my trail mix. Heart pounding, as I jumped to my feet, a second dog came around the side & tried to grab my bag of snack mix.  I yelled at the dogs & as I lifted my gaze - saw a man, on the sidewalk, walking up from my right & toward me from behind, calling the dogs.  They were Australian Cattle Dogs, one red & one blue.  Both overweight & dragging orange lengths of rope, as unused leashes.  The dogs totally ignored the man, decided I wasn't going to share & continued on their way, oblivious to the yells of their owner. 

I can't even express how totally furious I was.  The man kept repeating "Sorry, so sorry."  He was sorry alright, sorry for letting his dogs run in a public park.  This was now my fourth encounter with loose dogs this month.  

Fields in the process~

I got on my bike & left as fast as I could.  I rode about a mile before stopping at the spot above to call Butch.  He told me I should just stop riding this section of trail.  It's one of my favorites.  I was not carrying my stick but wouldn't have had it handy anyway, sitting there snacking.

The north end of the Silver Creek Trestle~

As far as I can see, the game cameras have not made another appearance in the trees.  Soon, the leaves will open & we'll have the shade I appreciate so much on the hot summer days.

I made good time getting back to the Bronco in Silver City.  Only one other vehicle was at the parking area.  The Happy Trails sign, still on the building, seems so sad now the business is closed.  I know many riders were hoping another bike shop would open, but so far, the old shop sits unused.  It doesn't seem the same without Mari Jo there to chat, when I've returned...