It's +11C outside. The sky is clear and the sun is shining. It was a great day for a hike at Elk Island Park. There was supposed to be a winter sport event there today but it was cancelled due to the weather conditions; not enough snow for snowshoeing/skiing and icy trail conditions.

I didn't venture out without the cleats on my boots. I could tell that the person in front of me didn't have any. He/she was slip sliding away on the trail.

There were only a couple of vehicles out and about. My hike was quiet, except for all the squirrels. They were running rampant; up and down the trees, scolding me as I walked by. 

On the way home I stopped at the Astotin parking lot to see what was happening there. The timing was perfect. I was able to observe a mule deer family nibbling on some tender branches. They crossed the road in front of me and headed toward the campground; stopping at the campground registration sign. It was perfect. They looked like they were lining up to get the first camp spot of the season.

I had hoped for enough snow on the trails so I could take the kicksled out one more time. That won't be happening but I might be able to get out on the pond surface before all the snow is gone.

This transition period doesn't have enough snow for winter activities and is too icy for the spring/summer ones. I'm ready for when the trails are dry. 

I have had so much fun with the kicksled that I ordered a new toy for the summer; a kickbike. It arrived this week and I put it together yesterday. The road in front of my house is dry and I'm itching to get the kickbike out there but I think I'll practice under the cover of darkness first. I don't want to be ending up in the water in the ditch in front of all the neighborhood children!

More photos at https://www.facebook.com/Ramblings-of-an-Outdoor-Girl-1015659961820012/