Ode to Spring on the St. Margaret’s Bay Rails to Trails

Submitted by one of our trail members: Barb Parker

During this time of physical distancing to plateau the pandemic, the St. Margaret’s Bay Rails to Trails remains open. It’s easy to keep a hockey stick between the comers and goers on the trail and people are adhering to that distance. And, while life has seemingly stopped for many people adjacent to the trail: life is opening up on the trail itself.

Weeks ago, I recognized the smell of life returning as the ice melted and the earth felt its softening. Next came the crimson maple buds and the Mayflowers. I look forward to the long fingers of the larch trees with their distinctive fresh greenery. And where we live, there’s a patch of Lady Slippers that I wait for with anticipation each year.

The trail’s rabbits have moved from white to mottled to brown over the past weeks. Soon the does will be out with their beautiful fawns, looking for the vegetation that has been sprouting along the trail. And, ducks have drawn lots and set up homes in every available stand of water. We are so lucky to live in a place of beauty and peace during this trying time.

Enjoy your trail!

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