We parked at the sunflower field, hiked past the cemetery, and entered the woods where the first troll, Dix, stood sentinel at the edge.
A shady trail led deeper to Mother Strong Tail - my favorite.
Harper scrambled happily along her sweeping tail.
Heading back, we passed the dog park to find Dax, then continued across the big field to Dux.
A short stroll down Umstead Drive brought us to a grove and the final troll, Daddy Bird Eyes, lounging against a tree.
There was a vibrant art installation right here.
Then a short hike back along the road.
With time to spare, we drove to Lake Johnson for a relaxed walk along the greenway. We stuck to the paved east loop, perfect for the stroller. Along the ways, the small waterfall trickled modestly.
Near the dam, a great blue heron waded gracefully in the shallows.
We finished up back at the dam.
After completing the loop, Amaroq and I squeezed in one more adventure at Lake Raleigh Woods. Starting from the Alumni Center lot, we followed Lakeview Trail for sweeping lake views.
The mile-long path ends at a rocky outcrop above Walnut Creek.
On the return, we linked Ridge Trail to Fern Trail, a fun biking loop through fern-covered slopes.
Valley Trail as a short connector between Fern Trail and Lakeview Trail.
We took a short detouronto the mile-long Tulip Poplar Trail, another mountain biking trail.
Finally, we closed with Pine Trail, hiking every trail in the forest.
We emerged near our starting point just as the sun broke through, warming the air.
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