So put the flowers where you can see them often, dear one, and let them tell you how much I love you, and how your love provides “food for my soul”–as it has ever since those first magical days when I came to know you.
I do trust the florists have carried out their mission acceptably. I stressed that there could be no substitution–that if no white hyacinths were available they must wait until they were.
Rachel Carson, in a letter to Dorothy Freeman, February 6, 1959
I’ve written about Rachel and Dorothy’s 1954 “hyacinth letter” before. What I want to share today is that my own white hyacinths, planted in celebration of the women’s intimate relationship, bloomed for the first time on Saturday.
I’m also excited to share that I finally hiked again on the Rachel Carson Trail, during one of this year’s planned training hikes. In wooded sections, the trail was lined with dainty spring flowers.
Spring flowers along the Rachel Carson Trail on April 17
The trail itself was rugged. I had remembered from a few years back that I needed to scramble on all fours up a few hills. But I’d conveniently forgotten how muddy the trail can get in some spots.
A climb up ahead, and some muddy conditions, on the Rachel Carson Trail
Regardless, I can only describe the feeling of being on that trail as pure joy. I hope to make it back soon, before the Homestead Challenge. And regardless, I’ll keep tending to the flowers in my own yard in the meantime.
| Tu, 4/12 | Ran 2.1 miles on sidewalks |
| W, 4/13 | Ran 5.2 miles on sidewalks with a friend, at a faster clip Did strength training for ankle |
| F, 4/15 | Ran 4 miles on a mix of sidewalks & trails Did strength training for ankle |
| Su, 4/17 | Hiked 7.3 miles on the Rachel Carson Trail (1,250 ft. ascent) |
| Weekly total on foot | 18.6 miles |
Walking with Rachel Carson's Letters 