We went hiking at Southford Falls on Saturday morning.

The dappled shade makes it look like Dwayne and Norah are in the water, but they are actually standing on the rocks near the falls, a safe distance from the rushing water.

We walked along the stream for a long time.

Then we took the trail through the woods. I like how often the rocks, roots and dirt make natural sets of staircases in the earth.

Norah poses on a twisted tree near the end of the trail.

We packed a picnic and found a spot of shade under a tree near the pond to enjoy our chicken salad, crackers, watermelon, cookies and sweet iced tea. Along the edge of the pond, I took photos of several wild flowers in bloom to add to my growing list of species.