We’ve walked countless miles around Lake Johnson in our 20+ years in Raleigh.

The variety of wildlife still amazes me.

We’ve learned to spot a toad hole, where the owl hides in plain sight, and that turtles can be taught to “come” when waffles are involved.

Sadly, the effects of climate change are apparent.  The toads have all but disappeared although frogs are still around.  The gulls that come for winter arrive earlier and stay on far too long.

On the plus side, we can now see bald eagles and osprey at the lake.

Bright and beautiful, great and small.

You know the rest.