Sensing Spring

It felt like spring yesterday, for real, and we took advantage of it. We filled the backpack with lunch, field guides, binoculars and hats and mitts and headed 20 minutes south for a hike at one of our favourite trails. At home, we are still covered in a thick layer of snow and ice, but just a short drive south, and a slightly lower elevation, makes the world of difference. We found spring!

As we began to walk my senses came alive. First, the smell of spring. The deep, musty, earthy smell of the world awakening from its deep sleep. As we walked the earth below gave way to the softness of the thawing ground. The mushy, muddy feel of spring, it was messy, but felt oh so good. Then the sound of the robins, yes, our first robins of the season. It was glorious. There was a little excited shout of "there they are" as we saw them fly from the tree they were singing from. And finally, after searching for most of our walk, we found the first beautiful buds.

Yes, my friends, it is here, finally. We have waited for days like yesterday, and while I know there will be some cold, snowy days ahead, this little taste of spring reminds us that we are indeed almost there. And with that, the promise of so much goodness to come.

Playing along with Country Kids