It poured rain this morning, then was cool and muggy for the rest of the day. We decided to try a couple of additional trails near Ash River—the Beaver Pond Overlook and the Sullivan Bay Trail. We watched two groups head down the Kab-Ash trail at the parking lot for the Beaver trail, and quickly come back swatting the air. The van was being swarmed by gnats, too, so fast exits and bug nets were needed today. We sprayed down as well because of the ubiquitous mosquitoes.

The interesting wildlife encounters today were a mother wolf spider carrying babies on her back and the pelicans with growths on their beaks. I had to google that as I thought it might be tumors or sibling birds with an inherited disorder. Turns out it is called a caruncle and both sexes will grow these to become more attractive during breeding season. Learned something new!

Ellsworth Rock Gardens on Lake Kabetogama has a flooded dock. We were to go on a boat tour there late this afternoon, but the tour was canceled. We had been called about the dock problem a couple of days ago, but opted to still take the tour without the hike. I missed the cancellation phone call earlier today. Oh, well, maybe next time! Better weather is forecast for tomorrow and we hope to get out in kayaks.