Arboreal spring in the Northwest

I love spring in the northwest forest.

This afternoon, Jeff and I walked the trail at the Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge.

'Twas a compromise between the long hike he wanted and the nothing that I preferred.

I was in a mood.

You should understand that, I said, you get in moods all the time.

He sensibly deferred to my point of view.

This pond lies at the beginning of the trail and is covered in some kind of weed.

Jeff noticed this big old bullfrog sitting very still. 

Although the pond is completely covered in weed, a ranger said they test the water frequently and it is full of life.
And beavers, apparently!

The neighbouring pond is still clear.

Trillium is one of my favourite things about the woods in spring. The three leaf-like bracts below the flower are the plant's only way to store food for the next year, so if you pick one it will take several years to recover.

Oregon grape is in flower. The shrub looks kind of messy for most of the year, but is pretty in its new spring finery.

Love me the symmetry of a cedar.

Things, they are a-budding.

Can you figure out this picture?

Look in the lower right corner for a clue.

And by the time we got back to the car, the fresh air and spring loveliness had done its work
and I was happy again.