Spring in Maryland 2020: We Live in Interesting Times

We live in interesting times. Spring has arrived here in Maryland. It's a strange paradox compared to what's happening in our world. With all of the news about COVID-19, shutdowns, stock market crashes, quarantines, social distancing, suddenly our reality has changed drastically. My school, and schools across the state closed their doors a couple weeks ago and will continue to do so until April 24th, and probably later. An overwhelming feeling of dread that I was feeling a couple weeks ago is slowly subsiding to a new normal, where the feeling comes and goes in waves now. Many of us are self quarantining, or social distancing, staying inside our homes and trying to make the best of it.

Some of my favorite local trails that have been a refuge, suddenly feel dangerous. With all of the shutdowns, more people are flocking to trails and forests for relief, for physical and mental health reasons, and perhaps out of boredom. I definitely can't blame them. I do the same. Personally, I still need my forest time, so I try to be strategic about it now and don't go as often. There are a couple of spots where I know I will see very few people, so that's where I go now. All of that being said, it's the best time of year in my opinion. Spring is here, wildflowers and cherry trees are blooming, the forest is greening, the sunlight is increasing in length and intensity, temperatures are rising. I think the forest is still a great place to go during these times, as long as we all follow social distancing protocol. In fact, the forest feels more important than ever right now. Anyhow, here are some pictures of spring around the area the last couple of months. Stay safe out there, and stay strong...

Spring in January

We have had a very mild late December/early January here in Maryland this winter. So mild that the temperature reached 70 degrees last weekend, and several mid 50 and 60 degree days in a row. As a result, the plants are getting a little confused as to what season it is. Plants that usually begin to grow in March started popping out of the earth, and mushrooms and vibrant green mosses have been growing on stumps and rocks. These plants will face a harsh reality this next week as temps drop into the mid 30's for highs and possible snow this weekend.

Last Trip of the Decade: Green Ridge Mountains, Maryland

quiet camp

sunrise

Happy 2020!! Looking back on the last decade, it's been more adventurous than I ever could have imagined, I some ways it flew by, in other ways it's felt like an eternity. Here's to another decade filled with outside time!

I was fortunate to squeeze one last quick camping trip in before the decade came to a close. I chose one of my favorite "local" spots, the green ridge mountains in Maryland. We've had very unseasonably warm days lately, and on December 20th, the temperatures must have been in the 60's. It felt like spring in the mountains, and I think some of the plants and even insects have been getting tricked that winter is over. When I arrived at my campsite, we had just had a day and a half of rain. The moss world around my site was lush and vibrant, bringing me back to my redwood days. I enjoyed clear, golden sun, and was treated to a crescent moon and a sky filled with bright stars at night. There was nobody around as far as I could tell, and I enjoyed listening to a relatively quiet forest. Unfortunately, I forgot my tent pole and stakes, so had to rig up a floppy shelter with some cord that I found in my car.

I slept pretty good at night, it was much colder in the morning and sleet was falling intermittently. Gray clouds were rolling in and I chose not to stick around too long and headed home for New Years eve around mid morning. Overall, another good trip in the mountains...