Spring Sneak Peak

Just last week, Tammy and I had the opportunity to see into the future.  We drove south to Alabama so Tammy could attend a Social Work conference.  I, on the other hand, was able to continue with my PAN job since I work remotely for them anyway.  

Once we got to the St Louis area, we saw hints of Spring that included the white flowers on the dogwood trees.  Continuing further south, we noticed more leaves budding out in the bushes and plants in the understory.  Some reddish flowering bushes and trees began to make their appearance too.  By the time we got to Birmingham it was clear that most trees were seriously contemplating opening their leaves.

We drove through the area where daffodils were in full bloom and by the time we were to our destination, they were pretty close to done with their flowering peak.

The drive was long enough that we didn't feel we had quite enough time to make it a leisurely trip.  But, on the way back, we did stop at the Natural Bridge Park in northern Alabama.  It was a beautiful day and we needed to stretch our legs a bit.  I don't think anyone could blame us for wanting to walk around a little while in ideal temperatures - not too warm and not too cold.  

It was Goldilocks for weather conditions.... just right.

There was a stream that we could meander around, watching the butterflies and moths flitting around.  And, we were able to listen to some birdsong we don't typically hear in Iowa on our farm. 

We had to pay a few dollars each to enter the trail since this is not a publicly held park.  However, the price was reasonable and we understand that resources are required to maintain trails, bathrooms and a reasonable access road.

We took a short walk to the sandstone land bridge, but we did not continue beyond that even though there was more trail to follow.  We were, after all, still in Alabama and we had a long ways to go to get back to Iowa.  Time was pressing, even if we were trying to promote the illusion of relaxing in the natural world.

The land bridge itself is maybe more of a cave that has areas where the roof is no longer in place, so we could walk around inside the sheltered portion.  The caretakers have put up railings and arranged a path along the back wall so you can circumnavigate this natural structure.  It was interesting to note one tall, thin tree that was rooted in the base of the cave and growing through one of the openings to join its siblings to form a tree canopy.

There was water dripping in places and moss on the walls.  

And speaking of those walls, we noted some very interesting patterns.  My latent geologist was just itching to try to figure out how and why those patterns came to be.  Maybe some day, I will.  But, until that time, I'll just share a picture to tide us all over.

The walk itself was fairly short, but the terrain around and inside the rock formation was difficult for Tammy, in particular.  The whole process of riding in a car for hours and then trying to walk around in uneven terrain is still a challenge - just a reminder that recovery is continuing.

Once we reached a point where the need to keep the momentum for traveling going overwhelmed our need to relax in nature, we got back in the car and kept the windows slightly open.  And as we drove back North, we went back in time - watching as Spring reversed itself.  Upon arrival at the farm, we found very little greenery.  Our daffodils are only two inches above the surface of the soil and the Pasque Flowers can only be found if we move some of the leaf debris that still surrounds them.

So, we will get to watch Spring unfold a second time.  And it will be worth it.