Lord Hill Regional Park — Saturday, Mar. 16, 2019

Had Grandpa duty today and figured a nice stroll up on the Hill would be just the ticket. Got there late of course, and the place was packed, but I always find (create?) a spot.  We decided to go as far as Hidden Pond, and then see if we had the energy to continue on.

Who knew there were trolls under the boardwalks?  Obviously, this meant that we had to race across so we wouldn't be captured - and for some reason, make as much noise as possible in the process. By the time we got to the Midway, I was the trail harbinger, responsible for pointing out all the "obstacles" ahead. These all required careful consideration for safe passage - should they be leapt over enthusiastically, or gingerly circumvented?   And mud? Apparently, that is our "all-time worst enemy".

Somehow, we made it to Hidden Pond unscathed. Checked out the new items on The Stump and replaced some that had fallen. (pinky swore we'd bring something to leave next time) Had a snack at the blue chair, listening to the frogs enjoying this warm day. Looking across the pond, we remembered the "fort" from last time. It is just an old hollow stump - but the perfect Battle Arena !

Don't know how - but he had crammed 10 action "characters" into that little Camelbak!  The stump became a massive, multi-level Battle Arena - with the Super Heroes vs. the Villains. A rather eclectic mix, and in the end it was Mugman defeating Venom after all the others had fallen into the "void". Somehow, the Good Guys always seem to win...

Making sure there were no "Lost Toys", we made our way back on the Midway Cutoff. The swamp crossing still had a little snow, and despite a minor mishap that resulted in a totally blown-out-of-proportion muddy knee fit, we made it back to the road just fine. Forgot all about it as we threw rocks down the road to see whose rolled farthest. Between escaping the trolls and battle fatigue, the van was a welcome sight for both of us, and we headed into town for a well deserved treat.

It was a refreshing look at the woods through a much younger looking glass - a reminder to slow down and enjoy the moment.