1
The bindweed flowers,
On account of this spring rain,
Closed early today
2
The tall grasses bend…
A place for spring rain to pause,
While on its travels
3
Rose petal quivers,
When tickled by a bee’s wing…
This spring afternoon
Chasing each other,
Shadow and light over hills…
Spry clouds in spring wind!
We begin our hike from Elk Creek Flat Trailhead. My friend Will, his dog Zivon, and I are taking our first hike of the season to the Wenaha River which flows 2000 ft. below. It is the warmest day of this spring’s season and I can feel the heat as we descend. We are welcomed by many wildflowers in bloom: Alsike Clover, Creeping Barberry, Fringecups, Larkspur, and Lupin just to name a few. As we get closer to the Wenaha, we come upon many downed trees across the trail. Some are a challenge for use to climb over or go around.
On this warm spring day…
Flowing about blooming stones,
The creek hums a song
We arrive at the Wenaha. Our intention is to wade or find a log to cross the river, but as we arrive, the river’s current is too fast and deep. We decide to set up camp and look for a crossing in the morning.
We enjoy breakfast next to an old campfire ring. After eating we scout up and down the river for a possible crossing, but do not find any. During our scout I find more blossoms: Prairie Smoke, Meadow Salsify, Miner’s Lettuce, and Virginia Waterleaf. We discuss hiking back up today and driving to the headwaters of the Wenaha to hike in from there. However, we decide to stay enjoy this area on the banks of the river.
The Yellow Goat’s Beard…
In the day’s conversations,
Does not flinch an inch!
Late in the afternoon the winds pick up; we get some thunder and rain. I put on my rain gear and make dinner. The rain stops about the same time I finish eating. I find myself appreciating quick dry clothing and a good raincoat. Will’s dog Zivon is not feeling well. We think about hiking back up, but decide a hike up would be too challenging for all.
The thunder clapping…
Brings gusts of warm and cold winds
Into the night’s dreams
After the night’s rain, the air is fresh and cool. Zivon is feeling better and again lively! Will and I are both relieved. After eating we pack and head up the canyon back to the trailhead.
Peaking between leaves,
I find two blooming Orchids,
Who catch me spying!
From the forest floor…
A hole in the canopy,
finds the wild rose.
On our drive home, we enjoy the many conversations.
Blooms hold the spring rain,
Bearing it another day
Lilac Branches bend
1
Painting a sidewalk
Apple tree blossoms dripping,
A light morning rain
2
Vanishing from sight
Robin returns with a worm,
Time to mow the lawn!
3
Afternoon thunder
Raindrops roll down the window…
Sad tears! Joyous tears!
4
When the sun came out
It was just for a moment
That I saw the rain…
I walk up the north side of Palouse Ridge through mud and puddles. Spring makes itself evident on side of the road. I pass Wild Cherry, Nineleaf Biscuitroot, and Common Cowparsnips. At the top of the ridge, the road dries out. I come out of the trees and am greeted by a blanket of purple Larkspur spotted with golden Arrowleaf Balsamroot. After a time, I begin my walk back to the trailhead where I find an old fallen tree bent over a rock, it reminds me of broken bones. In its shade grows Angular Solomon’s Seal. I am not sure if this plant is native or not.
Lying over stone
Old tree trunk bent and fractured
Nourished spring flowers
Note: Paradise Ridge is one of the few remnants of original Palouse prairie. Most of these locations are preserved through land trusts, for which I am grateful. These remnants make up 1% of the Palouse. Most of the remaining 99% is dry farmland. Because there are places where native Palouse prairie exists gives me faith the natural landscape can return; that we can share this land with the native plants and peoples in harmony with our need to grow food.
A warm spring wind
I soak my toes at the shore
A bird flys backward
I am waking up after a morning nap. Cradled in my arms is my grandson, Rudy. I am holding him for the first time. The doctor gave the okay for close family visits with restrictions. I am freshly showered, in clean clothes and wearing a mask. Now Rudy wants Mom so I get up and begin work fixing a dishwasher. I go to the hardware store to purchase a part. I enter wearing a mask and receive help from a maskless sales clerk. Finishing my purchase I go to the hotel to shower again and put on clean clothes. Clean, I return to see my grandson with my mask in place. Idaho begins stage one reopening today. The traffic and crowds are proof, but on my travels home I see only one person wearing a protective mask. I wonder how stage one will finish and how stages two, three, and four will play out. I am grateful to experience the joy of visiting my grandson and would like to visit again, even if I need to shower and wear a mask. This reminds me, the mask is to protect others, not myself.
Mountain spring snowmelt
The river’s edge erodes, where
Bulbous Bluegrass sway
Between the fences
A tumbleweed bounces by
The whistling pigs
While jogging on a sidewalk a young person approached me. As we got closer to each other the person stepped far to the side. I immediately recoiled before switching to a relaxed feeling of gratitude. The person nodded and I nodded in respect for each other’s safety, practicing social distancing.
There was a lot of data to intake about social distancing this week. Both in the world and decisions that need made about my job. I wondered what side of the fence I should be on. Stay at home or go out and keep the economy going? Both sides say the other lives in fear. I wonder if both sides fear the same thing? I ask myself, what is the best way to be while respecting the lives of all involved?
A hair in the tea
Showing and hiding itself
Tea cup in my hands
On my second visit to the arboretum in Moscow in two weeks, I find myself there on a cloudy day. Both times I started off my walk with the thought asking, “Why couldn’t it be sunny?” Maybe this is the photographer in me thinking there is always something that could be better. Or, maybe it is my capacity to want to be somewhere other than where I am. Today I was able to let that go and take in a few good photographs.
Fragrance sings at dawn
Birds among the tree blossoms
The clouds settle in