Spring return to Caesar Creek Preserve

Spring, the sweet spring, is the year’s pleasant king,
Then blooms each thing, then maids dance in a ring,
Cold doth not sting, the pretty birds do sing:
Cuckoo, jug-jug, pu-we, to-witta-woo! -- Thomas Nashe

As I return to an old friend - the Caesar Creek Preserve, south of the rather large Caesar Creek Reservoir, the coming of spring is definitely in the air. The day was quite cool as early spring is shaking the last vestiges of winter from her hair. This preserve is almost like a secret garden for me.

I rarely see many hikers in the area as most seem attracted to the Reservoir north of it. This small preserve has the Little Miami River Bike trail nearby, but usually the only vehicles in the preserve parking lot are bikers who use it as a starting point for their ride. Today, the only other person in the preserve was what appeared to be a videographer working for the State of Ohio. This preserve skirts the edges of little Caesar Creek which is returning to its light run after being dammed up north to create the Reservoir. But today, the creek was rushing as the rains of spring have swelled it to higher volumes. Ultimately the creek runs into the Little Miami River as the confluence is nearby. The creek has swelled to a large volume as it seems in a hurry to race into the larger river. Opposite the creek, a huge cliff rises up and it was enjoyable watching the passing water move steadily onto its destination nearby. A few of Ohio's early wildflowers are

peeking out including the lovely Dutchman's Breeches (Dicentra cucullaria). The trail is wide and for the most part an easy walk though entering into the valley area along the creek means a steep hike back up if you find such difficult. The trail is still muddy as the spring rains continue to drain down to the creek. I look at this preserve as my private domain as it seems little used by walkers and hikers except perhaps the weekend. As Spring continues to develop it is a good place to return to enjoy a little solitude.