The trip began early, while the city was still asleep. A few snow flakes were floating around.

There was plenty of light in the greenhouses on the University of Wisconsin ag campus.

Made it to Pheasant Branch Creek as the day started to lighten.

No pheasants in sight but rode right by these guys, Sandhill Cranes.

Dawn breaks over Dorn Creek.

A warm welcome awaited in Waunakee.

A hearty breakfast and good fellowship with a group of guys I’ve been meeting with almost every Saturday morning for a quarter century.

Didn’t feel too winded on the ride back through Madison. But these buzzards watching me from a cottonwood tree overlooking Lake Mendota may have had a different opinion. Fortunately, they didn’t follow me down the street.

I enjoyed being on new trails and the camaraderie with some of the other folks out enjoying a brisk almost spring morning.

The Thai pavilion at Olbrich gardens was glistening in the morning sun. The ol’ concrete block, not so much.

When we lived in this house, oh about 30 years ago, we could tell it was spring when they took down the snow fence in Olbrich Park across the street.

So okay maybe it’s not quite spring yet.

But these guys are getting ready. Yeah, spring is right around the corner. I’m ready.