Go Spring!

I'm loving the great weather we've had the last few days. It's been 80 degrees each day since Friday. Only down side are the howling winds. They are only a minor inconvenience since they are so warm.
I'm finally getting used to my new clipless shoes and pedals. Haven't fallen yet at a stoplight, but came close. It's still going to take a little time to figure out exactly when I need to pop them off - if I pop them out too soon, I slow down and have to scoot myself up toward the light, my push foot slipping on the asphalt. If I wait too long, I run the risk of tipping over. They do seem to help me pedal more efficiently though.

I'm still planning to stick with my mountain bike shoes for commuting.

Alex and I took the dog to nearby Chain 'O Lakes State Park to enjoy the 80 degree weather and the plethora of wildflowers blooming everywhere. There is so much going on that it is difficult to take it all in.

Here's a view of Rivir Lake:

Yellow violets:

Hepatica:

Dog-tooth Violet:

Bloodroot:

Squirrel corn:

Even fiddle heads! Didn't eat these however. Looked for morels (I've heard the blacks are up) but didn't find any.

Here's me with the beast. This is his natural habitat (I'm talking about the dog).