Itty Bitty Teeny Tiny Wildlife Rehab

Little orphans from the latest round of storms ... with a wildlife rehabilitator at our environmental education workshop today.

Too cute!

Along the trail - Stormy Fair Hill - Mobile Pics

With the Susquehanna Super Hike just a month away, vivid race reports and related forum posts have scared me into doing some prep work. Which mostly involves walking EVERYWHERE.

Tonight I hit some trails in Fair Hill after work, to both train on some rocky inclines, and see how I fared pace-wise on them. A significant thunderstorm hit while I was out (and at the furthest point from my car, natch), which added to the fun.

I always love a good summer storm, and tonight was no exception. I was deep in the woods for the worst of it, and the towering old trees provided a safe haven. The arching full rainbow and filtered golden light in the aftermath made the temporary dampness worthwhile. Gorgeous.

The hike: http://runkeeper.com/user/Tossey/activity/47020744

Along the Urban Trail

I am generally not a morning person - to drag myself up way before work to get in some exercise is rare. I'll take a good late night run, thank you.

But sometimes necessity forces a morning jaunt, and when I do get out there I am usually pleasantly surprised - by a glimpse of the sunrise, or critters I don't usually see - and vow to get out early more often.

Yesterday was one of those mornings. After finding that White Clay Creek State Park's gates don't open until 8 a.m.(!), I hit the random trails off Creek Road just north of Newark. The blend of urban graffiti and wildlife, gravel access roads and lush, dense trails that reminded me of the Pacific Northwest was an unexpected mix. Great fun :)

On the best days I have time to ride both

Like today :)

On the road - Open window, Simple pleasures

The weekly South > North commute is always more enjoyable with the Old Girls as backseat drivers :)

Longwood Gardens - Fountains & Fireworks - Mobile Photos

Always enjoy visiting Longwood Gardens - from the Conservatory to the imaginative treehouses to the meandering trails lined with a kaleidoscope of color - it is a botanical masterpiece.

Last weekend was the first time I've experienced their fountains & fireworks show, and I can think of no better way to celebrate the 4th of July. Magical.

Along the Water Trail - Paddling Trap Pond

Enjoyed an evening paddle yesterday with good friends on Trap Pond, another one of Delaware's hidden gems. The tranquil pond features the northern-most stand of baldcypress trees in the U.S., and paddling among them can feel otherworldly.

It is a perfect spot for wildlife watching as well. On our wanderings last night we spotted a bald eagle carrying away a struggling fish, a sleepy fawn curled up at water's edge, a not-so-busy beaver who slid into the water right next to us, a brightly-hued prothonotary warbler, and many ducks, frogs, and great blue herons.

Simple pleasures - Warm stones, cool shade, itchy back satiated

Along the Trail - White Clay Creek Commute

After a crazy spring of sickness and injuries, it felt great to return to my two-wheeled commute today. It's hard to beat as far as scenery - from the farm in Landenberg, I pass through open farmland, down to the White Clay Creek Preserve, and follow a trail along the creek all the way into campus in Newark.

It's a great way to wake up in the morn, and unwind in the afternoon.

St. Jones Reserve in Dover - Hidden Treasure

There's so much to love about St. Jones, tucked just south of the Dover Air Force Base. Trails through a sprawling marsh full of scurrying fiddler crabs, native plantings & blooms covered with bumbling bees and delicate moths & butterflies ... and, of course, the horseshoe crabs :)

Chester County Sunset - Hilltop, lone tree, sinking sun

Along the Water Trail - Morning Paddle in Assawoman Refuge

A still morning in the marsh surrounded by jellies and dragonflies made for a lovely start to a quiet Sunday on Delmarva.

Kind-eyed Draftie

I've loved every horse that's been a part of my life, but I've got to say, our Big Pony is one of the sweetest, most gentle horses I've known. Wish someone had clued me about draft horses sooner - they rule :)

Along the trail - Fair Hill at Dusk

Ran a few miles on the trail tonight & it was beautiful, but the hills kicked my butt. Walking breaks = more time to stop & take some quick pics though :)

My horse rides like a giant comfy sofa

And a bareback trail ride in Fair Hill was just the thing I needed on this beautiful evening to get my self over the hump of Hump Day...

June bloom - Sweet magnolia on campus

Stoked to see a beautiful old magnolia tree in bloom today while running across UD's campus to a meeting. Had to stop briefly to fully appreciate it and capture some quick pics ... such lovely flowers.

During the Dog Days of summer, the dogs go swimming

One of the simple, cooling joys of summertime.

Best kind of work-related research - on Rehoboth Boardwalk

Strolling the boards for ideas for a special Coast Day display...

The Joys of Seining - Mobile Photos

Went seining for the first time today since I worked as an educator for Delaware State Parks. We had a great group of 7th graders out on the Delaware Bay - it's always awesome to see the sense of discovery that is brought out in these types of hands-on programs. The kids were amazed by all the cool critters we found in the shallows of the bay :)

Love the drama of a good storm front

Finally getting much needed rain (and a touch of hail). Hoping this brings a break in the heat as well...