As the sap rises and the snow melts, hearts lift and feet aim for the woods.
Rein it in.
Birds are building their first nests, bears are robbing back yard feeders (take yours down. You could get ticketed this time of year, or worse, lose a pet).
If you are going to hike, always stay on the trail and go THROUGH the puddle, never around it.
During mud season, trails are especially susceptible to erosion.
There are lots of reasons trails are cut the way they are. It may be to protect endangered wildlife. For example, the Adirondacks have a significant rattlesnake population. A threatened species, trails may be designed to avoid a known den.
It may be to accommodate a landowner that has generously allowed the public to traverse their property.
Respect their boundaries, or you could get a right-of-way revoked. There are lots of reasons to take the road less travelled in this life. But in these woods, it makes you a bit of a douche.
Don’t do it without a damn good reason.
What’s an adventure girl to do, then? Well, when it gets tough to cope, I usually go to happy hour.
I mean, it’s in the NAME.
So take this opportunity to enjoy the downtown life.
After work pop over to a town park or preserve with a wilderness trail.
I just checked out the Meadowbrook Preserve in Queensbury.
If you meander around the outer perimeter, it’s 1.3 miles.
A nice little nature walk with interpretive signs.
Take a deep breath.
Smile.
Listen to Half Way Brook chatter.
And then hit happy hour.
You’ll still be home by 7.
Cooper’s Cave Ale Company is about two miles away, and an easy 10 minute bike ride.
Happy hour is 3-6 daily, with $3 draughts, plus 1911 cider (my pick) and cocktail and house wine specials.
For more information on mud season, check out these links-
Thirst and Pine 