Saturday...

This was my first hike on a trail backpacking my 20 lb 9 month old in an Ergo. My friend and I chose to head around Beaver Lake which was an easy walk using hiking poles to counterbalance the baby. There were lots of frogs croaking, and some wildflowers just starting to peek out. The moss was gorgeous, and the trail was clear with the occasional mud puddle. At 49 degrees, we were all comfortable, even the baby in a fleece footie pajama and hat. Great starter hike with the kiddo!

Went for an afternoon hike at Lord Hill, creating a 3.5 mile loop around Beaver Marsh Lake. The parking lot was mostly full around noon on this grey Tuesday afternoon, but there are miles of trails, and we only saw one other group during our time on trail. We heard lots of frogs down by the lake, and birdsongs throughout the park. Trail is in very muddy in spots from the recent rains, but otherwise in great shape. 

We got to the park at 5 pm with a little bit of rain and a little bit of hail.  Birds were singing but I think it was too cold for the frogs tonight.  It's fun to watch spring do it's thing.  Lots of new greenery and the trillium have started to bloom too.  We got back to the car just before 7, pretty close to dusk on a rainy day.

Today at old tester road the gate heading up was open again and the 'motorized vehicles prohibited' sign has been removed. So it looks like you can again park up top if you'd like. I chose the extra elevation and parked below at tester. Trails are great as always, expect some muddy bits.