Beautiful, beautiful day

Well, we've been going to the park on and off, but just haven't felt the blogging urge in a little bit. Today. when I didn't have my camera, I was, of course, inspired to write. Where to start? A couple of days ago, we went up the hill and found 17 crack bags, mostly near the base of the hill. Had the rain washed them down? Was this because we hadn't been in a few days (the rain)? Was there a party? Was this one last smoke-in just before the new antismoking rules went into effect? We speculated endlessly and, I think, entertainingly. Today we got our answer: none of the above. Fourteen crack bags today. Spring is here. It's a beautiful, beautiful day.

Actually, it feels more like summer. Beautiful quiet spots all over, with thick overhangings of trees. Lots and lots of dogs and owners, all enjoying this gorgeous day. We saw two groups of geese, one group of 19 and one group of 7, all adults. These were all at the SE part of the lake. Wer have no idea if there are more at the other end or in other parts of the park, but it was nice to see the 26. Three cygnets, looking big and beautiful.

Rumor and hearsay: The "park dog," as he is called because of the belief that he actually lives here, may not. There have been reports of a man in the park every morning, feeding him. And he does look well cared for. Current rumor is that someone leaves him in the Park all day as a day care site.

Dog Day Morning

Animal heaven at the Nethermead today! Chewy and JJ and Loo and Nickleby and Mr. Cooper and dozens of others, leaping and running and enjoying the perfectly crisp morning. A pleasure to be surrounded by so much joy!

Went by way of Lookout Hill - 4 crack bags, 3 of them in one spot. I guess the crack in the park season is also starting. I realized that it was almost one year ago that I started this blog - March 10, 2010, to be exact, and next week will be my first blogiversary!! So, we have seen the cycle of a year in Prospect Park. I'm wondering if this next year's cycle will be much different.

The lake is pretty clear, with only a few ice spots left. Much earlier thaw than last year, but it may refreeze. You never know. We saw lots of ducks, not so many geese. One of the tagged geese, H974, was hanging out by himself near the rustic shelter in the SE corner. The phragmites are still in winter hibernation - no sign of spring growth yet. Really looking beautiful.

The "burning the candle in the can" person has been at it again. Frequently, it looks like. I hadn't been checking in that spot, but have started to do so again. I decided to leave the person a note, asking that he/she clean up. We'll see if it has any positive effect. I certainly hope so.