There are many things to enjoy about running, walking, and biking on the Chippewa River Trail here in western Wisconsin.

One of the main things that I enjoy are the sights, sounds, and smells of nature that if offers.

This time of year is especially enjoyable as a number of trees, plants and flowers are in bloom, such as the tree shown here near the trailhead in Eau Claire’s Phoenix Park.

After a long, cold, snowy winter, the sight of it and the other things blooming along the trail is especially uplifting.

Probably my favorite bloom to pass while out on a spring walk or run is lilac bushes. Not only do I like their purple color, they smell great too.

Today the lilacs appeared to be in full bloom and I had the good fortune to pass a number of them on the portion of the trail that I run most every Saturday morning.  Without even having to “stop and smell the roses” I was treated to the sweet smell of lilacs a number of times during my 10-mile run.

It’s mornings like today—blue sky, sun shining, trees and flowers blooming, shorts and T-shirt temperature—that remind me just how lucky we are in Eau Claire to have such an extensive trail system to run, bike, and walk on. And what a great time spring is to be out enjoying it.