Built up some karma I did. Hiking a stretch of the trail along the two-lane paved road, I spotted a western pond turtle in the middle of the pavement.

Stopping traffic, I gently moved it across the road and on its journey. If not for me, it likely would not have been a pleasant outcome for the turtle.

On the late winter day, I was hiking the 14-mile trail (1,450 feet of cumulative elevation gain) around Henry Hagg Lake on the eastern slopes of the Coastal Mountains.

Five creeks flow into the 2 1/2 mile long reservoir, providing great habitat for song birds, waterfowl, wildflowers, elk and turtles.

Early wildflowers were out in force, including brilliant white trilliums, the classic purples of Oregon flag, dainty blue forget-me-nots of the Great Hound’s Tongue and the shiny gold skunk cabbages.

And, to keep me entertained, there were many fishermen along the shore and in boats chasing the wily trout. A pair of ospreys and a great blue heron were looking for their share too.

It’s always a pleasant way to spend a sunny 5 1/2 hours of exercise and fun.