Before I forget. . .

Lady Slipper

 Jasper and I had an unexpectedly amazing walk yesterday. I dared to go to the Sanders Hill trail, which can be overrun with black flies and mosquitos this time of year. We have literally been run off this trail by clouds of mosquitos in the past. I risked it because. . . did I already say this?. . .it was unseasonably cool. Sometimes the black flies and mosquitos stay home in cooler weather.

It was nothing but good news. The black flies and mosquitos did not make an appearance, and the Lady Slippers and Trillium are REALLY showing off right now. Their bloom is not long lived, so it's a real treat when one gets to experience it. I Was glad that I had a coat on. It was initially chilly, but we warmed as we hiked. It's not an easy hike.

I couldn't have been more thankful for the reminder that even in cool springs, central Maine is worth the trouble. I didn't see another soul on this hike. The trails is rooty and rocky, but then, that's the forest in Maine. Lots of rocks. A ton of trees.

The forget-me-nots were also putting on a show,

Seeing the Trillium and the Lady Slippers remind me a lot of hunting for morels. You don't see them until you see the first one. And then, you can see them everywhere.

This is a favorite fall and winter hike, but I'm really glad Jasper and I made the trip. So much hidden treasure.