Friday, April 28th was the wettest day of the year, with rainfall measuring 1.53 inches. It was badly needed as we are in a moderate drought, according to the US drought monitor. We also got strong gusts of wind, of up to 38 miles per hour. That, we did not need.
On Saturday, I headed into Rock Creek Park to see if the rainy, windy day had any impact. I found some damage almost immediately – Grant Road was closed and a crew was out clearing a downed tree that had fallen across the roadway.
The trail was littered with leaves and small branches and a few runners and hikers were out.
The water level at Joyce Bridge was higher than I had seen of late, and you can see the difference too, in this graph from the U.S. Geological Survey.
Heading south along Black Horse Trail, I passed hikers who warned me of downed trees blocking the trail.
I took a circuitous path through a maze of broken trunks and branches.
When I got to the trail on the other side, I heard voices behind me. I turned around to see two hikers that had gone straight through the thicket of branches. They had found a way.
After I that, I lost myself in the beauty of Rock Creek Park in spring. The sound and view of the Rock Creek rapids were mesmerizing.
I heard the song of a wood thrush, the state bird of DC.
And at the horse corral, buttercups bathed the field in yellow; a beautiful sight.
Rock Creek Park always has wonderful surprises if you take the time to look and listen.