With the river being high, I explored a few wooded trails in the park. There is still just the barest hint of green coming back to life. It’s a good time to walk here because the vines haven’t started to kick in yet and turn this place into an obstacle course. I was following the park’s resident Pilliated Woodpeckers and trying to photograph them when I came across this groundhog. He was the Buddha of the Groundhogs basking in a shaft of spring light. His eyes were partially closed, almost blissful appearing. Then I bumbled into view and we eyed each other for a minute or so and I took these pictures and he took off running for his nearest burrow.
I have accidently stepped into their holes before. Luckily, I haven’t twisted an ankle or worse because it can be a quick and rude drop down. It’s become one of the hazards, like nails sticking up from a driftwood board that you avoid stepping on. It appears to me that the park’s groundhogs are on the increase and so there are that many potential holes to look out for! Watch out! There’s another hole!!
Artist at Exit 0 Riverblog 