Monday, February 26, 2018

A Rather Short Walk

Winter's resurgence was short-lived. Thanks to temperature swings, ice storms, rain, and plenty of wind, the snows of early February have been slowly disintegrating into sodden, icy heaps. The earth is still too cold to absorb all the runoff, so fields are sporting large, unofficial skating rinks where water has pooled and frozen.

Sunday was so beguilingly sunny and mild (37 F! break out the shorts!) that Mr. M and I took a drive to a small park on the Fox River, where we hoped to walk a section of the Ice Age Trail.

We were surprised to see so much open water:


Mr. M crossing a branch of the river:


And there's the ice we expected to see:


We crossed the empty park and slithered down an icy slope to find the trail living up to its name:

Ice Age indeed....

Mr. M turned back at this point, but I went a little farther in hopes that the trail might clear.

By the side of the path was a fallen tree, covered in green moss and tiny shooting stems of rust-color:


The path turned left, crossing a wine-dark stream bordered with pale dry grass and reddening dogwood...


...then led into a frozen marsh, where icy puddles predominated. Time to turn back.

One last glimpse of the still-partly-frozen river:


Then into the warm car and home.

On the drive back, we saw some sandhill crane in a field. The wild geese are coming back too, and little birds have singing like anything the last few mornings.

Signs of an early spring? We'll see.

~

How's your weather?

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

20 comments:

  1. Wow, you're pretty adventurous to hike out there near icy waters! You're lucky to have sunny weather. We're stuck in some pretty cloudy times. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I had my YakTrax in my pocket just in case. Though I must say it was rather awkward putting them on while standing at the edge of an icy path. :)

      The sunshine has been wonderful. Three days in a row now! Hope you get some soon.

      Delete
  2. We've been in the 80's, but are headed back to the 60's with lows in the 30's. I'd be with your husband, no ice walking for me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The funny thing is, although he's got permanently impaired balance from a brain tumor removed 20+ years ago, and can stumble just crossing a room, he's much better at walking on ice than I am. Go figure.

      Do you like having 80 degree weather in February?

      Delete
  3. As always fantastic photos along with such an insightful commentary! Love the blue of the sky. We’ve had a couple of crisp sunshine and blue skies..... like your photos. It makes such a difference, doesn’t it??!?
    Joan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It makes all the difference in the world! I really noticed this winter that the sunny days made me feel alive and productive, while cloudy days made me feel sleepy. I'm so grateful for the sunny times. :)

      Delete
  4. Oh Fireman saw a sandhill crane, just one, this week! Is it a sign? WE are leaving for a sunny walk now. If they say it will be 50s or 60s for a day I so need the sunlight and vit D this time of year! thanks for the photos . THey look familiar and you bring a joy to this season of mud

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. And tonight as I (finally) answer this we are having a whiteout ... but Spring is coming! :)

      Delete
  5. Jealous once again that you are getting out there! My day will come, though! I hope I will see as many inspirational things as you!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I like the ice myself especially with the sun on it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Kay! I don't mind ice except on trails. Everywhere else it's lovely to look at! :)

      Delete
  7. Our weather here in NW Arkansas has been very rainy and temps mostly in the 50' and 60's with some colder days thrown in now and again. I see buds on some of our trees as well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow, that sounds very warm and balmy! We're having a mini-blizzard as I write this. Typical March weather for Wisconsin. :)

      Delete
  8. So many lovely blues in your photos! Let's hope that spring is on its way. It totally freezing here!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Spring is coming, never fear! Though it's freezing here too right now. :)

      Thank you, Sandra.

      Delete
  9. Such beauty surrounds you Sue. As you know I just love Wisconsin. Have a wonderful week.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Mere! Hope to see you here some time. :)

      Delete
  10. Thank you so much for taking us along on your adventures. Such a beautiful place. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Vicki! It is beautiful here, no matter the season.

      Delete

I love comments! Speak on....