The Crooked River Walkers

Yes, folks.  We are back behind the desk here in Poogieville.

I'm happy to report that the travel schedule that kept yours truly from my obligation to assist our blogwriting duties is over -- for the time being.

That was DC, Cincy, Philly, Baltimore (twice), Chicago and Hartford in four weeks time in case you were scoring at home.

Some of it was fun, some of it was scary (see: landing in Cleveland during high wind warning).  All of it kept me from being home.

Therefore, keeping it in perspective, I'm glad to be back.

Plenty has happened in that span of time.  Seriously.  My beloved Indians have won 13 consecutive home games and reside in first place.  The Browns haven't lost a game since January 2nd.

Yeah, I know the Browns haven't played a game since January 2nd.

Things are good.

Getting back home during spring is usually a much-enjoyed time for the Poogsters.  The sun is out.  The leaves and flowers are out.  We catch a few nice weekend days.  We hike.  We bike.  We get outside.

This spring has been tough, though.

In a few words, this spring has sucked. 

On the rare occasion that I have been home and the weather reasonably accommodating, we have made the trip out to our favorite Cuyahoga Valley National Park haunts.  We managed a few pictures a couple of weeks ago for your viewing pleasure.   

Will the Sheikh.

On the trail with a happy five month old.

What bears dream about when hungry.

Any other year, you wouldn't get a shot like this on the Towpath in late April without being run over.

The aspirational profile shot.  Eat your heart out Derkacy.

The kid slobbers and drools like a happy, leaky faucet.

Caroline thinks the Cuyahoga is too curvy.  Stupid crooked river!

The only trail competition for the crew was a turd-happy bunch of Canadian geese.

We got 'em.