Top Ten Day

Apparently, spring is arriving early here in Wisconsin.  You can see the Hay River to the north is opening up?  The channel under the bridge is also open.  I stopped to take this photo on my morning run.  I was surprised to see how quickly the ice has been melting this week.

Joined Bike man, his older son Mike and friend Todd, for a little ice fishing today out in the bay near our house.  Don't worry, we still have about a foot of solid ice.  With this sudden early spring, the perch are biting and the water birds are moving too.  I'm still waiting for the arrival of the Sandhill cranes.  They are close....in central Wisconsin since I've been monitoring my birding Facebook page.  Once I hear the Sandies it truly will be spring.

Since the sunshine and temperature felt so good, I decided to abort ice fishing and head over to the Enchanted forest for a solo hike.  I'm sad to report I did not use my snowshoes today, but chose to walk in my regular winter boots.  I'm sad, but also happy for spring.  I couldn't help but think about that in 2 1/2 months from now, we will be looking for morels in these same woods!  That made me feel excited.....no more snow, just hunting for morel mushrooms.

I've been watching this one tree for two months now.  I'm just amazed at how productive this woodpecker has been on this tree.  Wish I knew what kind of woodpecker is making these holes....Pileated? Red-bellied?  Hairy?

Now you can see why I choose to ditch my snowshoes.  My hike took me about an hour this afternoon.  Just happy to be outdoors enjoying the fresh air.

Another Day in the North

Got my dose of afternoon fresh air, big snowflakes and exercise with Caryn today.  Despite the wet snow, it all melted since it was 39 degrees.

Found areas today on our hike that had absolutely NO snow....dang it.  I'm probably the only person hoping for a good snowfall soon.  I'd be happy with 4-5 inches of snow.

Ne Ne was happy to see us return from our 2-hour snowshoe walk.  She's such a sweet little cat, always wanting to sit next to use to us at the kitchen table, listening to our conversations about life, family and politics.  She's such a good listener.......

My Snowshoe Buddy

If it wasn't for this pretty lady, my winter months may have been a struggle....especially since retiring and adjusting to a new life's schedule.  You see, Caryn has graciously been letting me snowshoe her land since retiring January 1st.  Since Caryn only lives about two miles from us, I can easily drive over to her house and access to her land and many trails.  I am so grateful to Caryn and her generosity.  I have hiked many of her trails by myself over the last eight weeks, but I always enjoy it when Caryn can join me on a hike....like yesterday and today!

The bench down by the river is my little resting period before we continue on to more trails.

We've lost lots of snow with warm temperatures and rain last week, but we still have a snow base on many trails.  I'm hoping for some more snow before spring hits.  Thanks Caryn for the post workout glass of wine.  Yes, we earned it for sure!

PS.  Where's Bike man?  My hubby has been under the weather with that nasty upper respiratory virus going around and he has really been sick.  Took us by surprise since we both got flu shots this winter and didn't think one of us would get so sick.  I'm sure he will be back to snuff by this weekend.