We left Montana with very little snow on the ground. We are about 600 miles south. It snowed most of yesterday, although it was the flurry type so maybe 1.5-2 inches of accumulation.
Karl is thrilled. We finally made him come in late afternoon after a walk around the lake in the morning and down the Poudre River Trail in the afternoon.
But it didn’t stop overnight – another 2-3 inches as of this morning and still snowing. So… roads are not snow covered, but they do report icy, slushy conditions and snow through the day. We’ll keep an eye on conditions as if it looks ok we’d like to get through Denver today.
But it might be another day in the snow.
Yesterday after a short walk, I was playing with Karl in the side yard.
Steve was taking photos of us.
Big fun all around.
There was just a little snow.
Game over.
Last evening I went to take Karl down the driveway for our last walk. It was 8:30, dark, 2-3 inches of new snow on the ground. I couldn’t find my pepper spray – a bit odd as I routinely have it on the early morning and late evening walk and set it in the same place when I return. It was nowhere to be found. I took a ski pole for a weapon and off we went.
Steve was working on the photos last night. He knew I had not been able to find the spray. Lo and behold he came across the photo below – he zoomed in on what Karl found…
He emailed me the photo which I picked up this morning. It had a one line message: “Karl found your bear spray”.
Yesterday, Karl and I walked on the 40 acres of State Land woods adjacent to my rear property boundary. We were fortunate this winter to get out there a lot, walking on top of wonderful snow that covered all the weeds, burrs and downfall. But, it was nice to smell that spring ground smell as the grass and dirt and trees warm up and come to life with most of the snow gone.
Bob was waiting near the house, somewhat hidden in the grass. The sun was warm and he looked like he could barely keep his eyes open.
Karl picked a cooler spot – in the snow, in the shade – for his post walk nap. He can hardly keep his eyes open either. We took our time in the woods. The grass will grow high and new weeds, new burrs will make it more difficult to walk out there during the summer.
Spring Woods – very pleasant!
Nothing bad happened today.
I got an early start, feeling good as I finished and e-filed taxes yesterday – a chore I had uncharacteristically left a bit later than usual. But, for whatever reason, the day was a bit of a struggle. I was tired and out of sorts from mid-morning on. I could blame it on the weather, hormones or the phase of the moon, but really, I think it was just one of those days…
Karl had one too.
That above, produced this below…
yea, yea, yea…broken record…more snow.
Even Karl has had enough.
I have high hopes for April, mid-April that is. In the meantime, I can’t promise much in the way of variety.
Actually, this last storm wasn’t much of a storm at my house. The snow that has been falling overnight for the last several nights has been gone before noon as temperatures have barely hit freezing at night and are reaching 40 during the day. The local weather shows high wind in the valley, but my house is in a wind shadow once again and it is quiet. News reports list snow from 6 to 12 inches in Missoula (100 miles south) and south. Location, location, location!
Happy First Day of Spring! I know – that doesn’t look like Spring. It was in fact, the last day of Winter…yesterday. Yesterday, was sunny and 40ish and I had errands in Bigfork, so we tacked on some beach time. This “beach” will be gone soon. As the snow pack melts and the powers that be allow the lake level to rise, the area that Karl and I enjoy in the winter will be under water. When the snow melts, it is all rocks, so now is the time to really enjoy it!
A beautiful day!
A gaggle of geese sat in the water across the bay. Suddenly, the volume of honking increased. They rose – circled – started forming the V – an incredible sight and sound!
If you have never read or seen the why of the goose behavior: The Goose Story
Picnic tables, campfire rings and camp sites wait for summer. Late Spring through early Fall, people who work nearby come to this park, bring their lunch and enjoy a quiet and peaceful time by the lake. The camping area is beautiful – sites from tent size to a few that will accomodate the largest RV – but all somewhat private with views of the trees and ferns. Paths from the sites, wind through the woods to the rocky shore of the lake. Even in the height of summer, when all are full, it is a beautiful spot.
Today, the first day of Spring, we start letting go of Winter.
Yesterday morning…
Today is the last full day of Winter according to the calendar. There has been snow – a lot of snow! – on the ground since December 14… a late start but made up for quickly. As it has warmed up and a lot of melting going on, I’ve been looking at the calendar, past emails, past photos – looking for the “proof” that all the snow will go away…someday.
Despite my anxiousness for green grass, wildflowers and Spring, yesterday’s snow was a beautiful gift!
This winter, I’ve snowshoed at least once and usually 3-4 times every day – enjoying the woods and mountains and trying to keep up with Karl
It has been a wonderful winter for playing outside. Each snowfall, every night of alpenglow, each sunrise and sunset are unique.
We have enjoyed them all.
Yesterday, might not have been the last blast of this winter, but it was lovely and a wonderful reminder to enjoy each moment of each day for whatever it might bring.
