Spring is the best time to hike in the mountains. Here’s a Shagbark hickory coming to life on a rainy, cold day.

Did some hiking this evening and a few casts in a small, spring-fed creek that’s home to some small, spring-fed brook trout. Glad we still have brookies in Frederick County, Maryland — and just look at how clear that water is.

Made a new shooting board to go with a new shooting plane I picked up as a factory second a while back from Lee Valley. First time I’ve ever used a dedicated shooting plane with a track. What a pleasure to use.

Burnside Bridge, Antietam National Battlefield, earlier today. Beautiful spot, I’m only a little sad I can’t do some fly fishing here.

Second try! Well, that was fun. kottke.org/24/12/004…