March 23

Last Sunday, Remi and I traveled 16 miles west back to the village of Cedar Lake to hike another section of the Meijer Heartland Trail. The early morning weather was sunny with a temperature of 21 degrees and no wind. After leaving the car, I paused next to a pond to recognize the vernal equinox by facing the rising sun that as of a few hours ago had crossed the celestial equator to begin a new spring season. Continuing east along the paved trail, I stopped briefly to pick a dried Bergamot seed head, crush it with my fingers and pass it near my nose to enjoy the spicy aroma. Next, I glanced up as a Red-bellied Woodpecker landed near the top of an old dying maple tree and began pecking away. Farther along, as the trail entered a wetland, I spotted a sure sign of spring, the maroon, hood-like leaves that enclose the emerging flowers of Skunk Cabbage. Gazing ahead, I was pleased to watch the vernal sun shining brightly through one of the many needleless Tamarack trees. These unusual deciduous conifers will soon begin to regrow their needles. Suddenly, the distinctive call of a Pileated Woodpecker caught my attention. After walking about ¾ mile east, I turned around and began following my shadow, whose length today should be exactly halfway between the longest at the winter solstice and the shortest at the summer solstice. On the ground, near the trail’s edge, I could barely make out a Tree Sparrow that was well camouflaged against the leaf litter. Also, nearby on a small, leafless tree was another sign of spring, the furry white male catkins of Pussy Willow. The catkins’ name comes from their likeness to tiny cats. Approaching the car, I paused to observe a small stream that flowed gently along the trail’s edge. Finally, we arrived back at the car for our journey home.

Orb of the heavens

Sun of the sky

Giver of life

None can deny

Orb of the heavens

Ascending star

Your vernal place

Your journey so far

Orb of the heavens

Warming sphere

Welcome to spring

Glad you’re here

D. DeGraaf