Longer Days, Higher Sun - Winter's Winding Down

I'm starting the feel spring in the air.  The sun's coming up earlier and going down later.  The birds are singing and I've already seen signs of the daffodil's popping up on the sunny side of my house.

I'm a little sad that winter's winding down.  Snowshoeing today I just felt like it may be one of the last of the season.  The sun was higher in the sky.  The shadows of the trees, longer on the ground.  And the birds were chirping like they were happy that warmer weather is on the way.

High sun, long shadows.  Spring is near.

An Old Proverb

Yes, winter's winding down.  But it's not going out without a fight this year.  As the old proverb says "March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb."  And I believe this year will be no exception.  December and January we saw little snow.  February we saw snow and March is starting off with the forecast of another storm coming.

Plans are already made to take advantage of this next round of snow, as it may be the last.  The snowshoes and headlamp are ready for an evening snowshoe hike along the Milwaukee River.  Because after that, I think we'll see spring.  40 degrees and rain next weekend.  Yup, winter's winding down.

Spring Already?

Time for spring?  Maybe? 

Today I saw my first signs of spring in Milwaukee.  I found some plants peeking through the ground along the side of my house (on March 7) - seems a little early for that, but guess not.

It seems really weird since over the weekend I took the dogs hiking in Northern Kettle Moraine in the snow.  And then two days later there are spring plants.  I really have to wonder if the poor daffodil popped through the ground early.  It does sit under my dryer vent and along the side of the house that receives all the sun. 

But since I saw my first sign of spring - my thoughts are now changing from snow to what I can do in spring.  Time to bring back out the tent, sleeping bag, hiking boots, etc (although they never really were put away for the winter).  I'm ready to take the dogs on weekend getaways to the great outdoors.  Take a trip back to Utah and Colorado to visit some national parks, do some rock climbing, mountain biking and hiking.  And plan a trip out to the Northwest to do some backpacking in the mountains.  Ok, let spring come but as I already know, this is Wisconsin and winter will not give up easily.  I'm sure we'll see more snow yet. 

Yes, it's time for renewal and rejuvenation as we see all things new again.  Let spring come, turn the world green and enjoy the sunshine.