Peony tour today. Last week it rained heavily, so it was really muddy, and I was very proud of myself when I reached the spots where peonies grow. I almost felt ready for a survival camp! We took a side trail among peonies, far from the main one, then I saw something - big an brown - not that far away. I couldn't make out what it was exactly. Maybe a deer, but usually they're shy and flee before you realize they're there. I should have known better, the trail was covered with two-fingered paws prints, while normally there are only some of them. Quickly back to the main trail: not that ready for survival camp, after all.. No further incidents, picnic among peonies, the water music of many trickles - never seen that many before.

Later on, we heard a noise in a thicket, and I saw a deer springing out of it (but judging from the noises, there were two of them); we were heard before.

Perfect day, crowned by the first "balcony tea" (I love having tea outside) of the year

Photos I've shot today