Spring is in the Air

Well actually it is snow today, but that is Spring in Boulder. My wife and I recently saw our first snake of the season out on the trail, and Saturday brought the first calf to our friend's farm. Spring in Boulder also means muddy trails.

On a recent hike, we laughed at the hiker controlled mud meter at the trailhead. From good to poor, it described the trail conditions to be found. On your way out, hikers were asked to update the sign with their observations, so it was always current.

Also posted was encouragement to "get muddy". By stepping around muddy patches, hikers unknowingly trample vegetation, and worse create parallel tracks. It is far prefered to walk the middle of the trail through puddles and mud. While washing boots off is easy, repairing damage caused can take considerable effort. And just ask any kid, they will tell you that stomping in puddles is always a blast!

So lace up those boots, and gaiters if you prefer, and go get muddy (just remember if trails are really bad, it might be better to head elsewhere).