Yesterday was a nice warm spring day with a sunny sky but there are a few Wisconsinites who like what the weather will be in a half year from now as they prefer the snow and cold, like this hardly soul enjoying a birthday today, who loved exploring the ice caves on the south shore of Lake Superior.
Enjoying the Ice Caves
Yesterday the ice layer on Lake Superior broke up and open water appeared again where I was standing for this picture so another sign that spring is coming and the rain last night took the last of my snow pile finally. But with chances of snow in the forecast, it might not be the last of the white stuff this spring yet.
Winter Fading
Temperatures slightly above freezing yesterday afternoon melted the ice that fell earlier in the day which was a good thing with the strong winds making the tree branches rattle. So winter days aren’t so lucky when the heavy ice break limbs and power lines. I just don’t know if ice counted as snow for the robin tail for spring to finally come.
Ice Encased Leaf
I think the poor pine trees are as tired of winter as I am as they are weighted down with the heavy, wet snow which fell overnight.
Heavy Laden with Snow
The cardinal was singing this morning so I guess he didn’t mind the return to winter but I didn’t hear or see the bluebirds or robins since I think they are wondering were spring went to. But now the robin has had snow on its tail twice so hopefully it will only snow once more and spring can stay.
Doesn’t Look Like Spring to Me
Astronomical winter ends today, but even though there is no snow on the ground, it doesn’t mean there won’t be more snow before winter is truly over. Especially since the robins aren’t back yet and the saying is that it’s not officially spring until “it has snowed on the Robins’ tail three times.” I think this old milkhouse would prefer not getting snowed on again three more times as it is probably as ready for spring as I am.
Astronomical End of Winter
Old Man Winter might be losing his grip as only patches of snow remain, but I’m sure he will try to take a few more bites before spring arrives.
Old Man Winter
A short walk through the woods yesterday evening didn’t reveal any spring wildflowers, but then there was a thin covering of snow left and the ground just beginning to soften up so the only ‘wildflower’ I found was some bull thistle blossoms past their prime.
Dry Bull Thistle Blossom
Even with another night in the minus teens, the weathermen are finally predicting some warmer temperatures and tomorrow the freezing mark will feel warm. And maybe some of the small little streams, like in Houghton Falls State Natural Area, will start flowing again as winter gives up its winter grip.
Holding Frozen at Houghton
Ahead of the snow, the wispy clouds rolled in yesterday to cover the afternoon sun.
Before the Snow
