Taking MOWA to the Trail

The Michigan Outdoor Writers Association (MOWA) is having their annual conference this weekend... just over in Baldwin! But with Confidence Camp, I'm too busy to attend. But I did offer to lead a hike. Four of us did the 3.5 mile loop at Bowman Lake. I was delighted that a few people signed up!

You know Bowman Lake is one of my favorite places in our local area.

We all had a chuckle about this. Somehow a Skunk Cabbage got itself planted in this three-trunked tree.

A happy and clean painted turtle sun-bathing on a log.

And, ta-da! The sassafras are just starting to flower and get leaves.

They took me out to lunch afterwards. A very nice morning!

Confidence Camp all afternoon. Hoping to finish the last major item this evening.

Miles walked in 2026: 162.2
Hike 100 Challenge 2026: 53.3

Bowman Lake area, Lake County, Michigan. North Country Trail 1.75 miles, Bowman Lake Trail 1.75 miles.

See Bowman Semi-Primitive Area

Rock Garden Makes Me Happy

I am socked in working on Confidence Camp notebooks. But the rock garden is looking so pretty! This is a shot across the top with lots of color.

Now the Hawara daffodils are blooming. I put the wrong labels on earlier ones, I'll have to go back and fix those.

I have a tiny bit of the 'Candystripe' moss phlox left. Most of it reverted to plain pink and white.

One of the Lewisia has a lot of buds. I'm hopeful.

And the Rock Cress is in full bloom. It's quite reliable- one of the survivors from the original garden.

OK, it's back to work for me. Got a LOT done today, but there is lots to do yet.

See Jewel Baby

Jewel Baby and Confidence Camp

Last year, 'Jewel Baby' iris had two blossoms. This year it might have four! This is only about 6 inches tall, and I really love it.

There is another little clump of leaves in a different place that I HOPE is the light pink 'Betsy Boo' iris. I did have one long ago, and I think it was in that location. Perhaps in another year, I'll find out!

Meanwhlle, the porta-potty was delivered today.

And Cathy and I got this bar bolted to the deck. Stay tuned.

I spent all morning shopping and doing errands. I MAY have purchased everything I need for Camp.

Worked on smaller things for Camp (partly with Cathy's help) in the afternoon, and had a Zoom meeting.

Now, I'll settle in to work on handouts for a couple of hours here.

See Jewel Baby 2025

The Trees Made It to Spring

I love the colors of trees in early spring, either flowering or not. Had some nice scenery on the way to and from the dentist today.

I think these are American Plum, but I didn't get out of the car to go check.

Sweet little baby Red Maple leaves!

Just extras- a bud for Canada Mayflower

And two deer moseying across the lawn at the Methodist Church.

Today was non-stop. I started with the dentist. That was a non-event. The implant is doing great. Six more weeks and another non-event check and I can have the tooth added.

Then I came home and got the mower going and mowed some grass. Then I worked on stuff for Confidence Camp until it was time to go to bell practice. Stopped at Cathy's on the way home and we talked more Confidence Camp stuff.

I'll see how much more I can get done yet this evening.

Stopped on the way home at Rothbury Rest Area. They have a tiny 0.3 mile trail.

Miles walked in 2026: 158.7

See Spring Color

Two Picnic Tables- Part Two

Again, today was almost all about Confidence Camp.

Cathy and I got the picnic tables stained. We think they look great!

The front garden bed is starting to have some nice color as the Heucheras begin to get new leaves. And the hostas are just beginning to open their leaves.

I also did a load of laundry which is memorable only because it was so windy that the basket which I always weigh down with the tub of clothespins blew across the lawn (I don't remember this ever happening before), spliing the pins of course, and the wind even pulled some of the items off the clothesline.

I'm working hard to get the handouts that go with the learning sessions completed. Tomorrow I have to go to the dentist

See Two Picnic Tables