One of the coolest things about living in a four season climate area is the frenzy with which the inhabitants celebrate good weather. I met someone who moved here from San Francisco and at the same time she was bemoaning the chill and length of our winter, she noted the vibrancy of spring, both botanical and zoological. This weekend has been so beautiful that everybody and their mother is outside. Jumping in the fray, I determined to do a century
Traveling from Buffalo to Lake Ontario, along the shore, dropping down to Medina and the Iroquois Wildlife refuge near Alabama, NY, the dominant impression involved "where the heck were all these snakes the rest of the year?" Seriously. Tiny little garter snakes less than 6 inches long, sunning themselves along the road appeared about every 8 miles. Some were dead and the live ones were easy to avoid, but it was a little weird.
I had never been to this refuge. There was a sign at the beginning of the road I chose, which warned the bridge was closed 1 mile ahead. I ignored the signs; worst case scenario, I would have to come back. But really. How often are they seriously speaking of bicycles? Sure enough the bridge was ped only and crossed a really beautiful span of the swamp.
It was interesting to see the crops not yet harvested. Grapes-heavenly smell, cabbage, not so much, apples and soybeans, which it took me an astonishingly long time to recognize.
Such a beautiful day.
