Warm, cold, really cold is the recurring theme. Early in the week I was on the trail, having to peel off layers because the temperature was +9.4C. Today I woke up to -22C at 7am. 
 
It seems that the only thing for discussion these days is snow and the fluctuating temperature. The total snowfall for the week was about 10cm. Those poor little plants sprouting in front of my window will be inside for a while yet. The garden beds are still buried.


The 25+cms of snow on the garage roof slid off only to be replaced by more snow. The tops of little Alberta spruce can now be seen in the backyard; just another 40cm of snow to melt.

The warmer days at the beginning of the week allowed for some fun on the trails with one of my grandaughters. We put the snowshoes on and headed out for some fresh air and nature watching. There wasn't much to see on the first day.


The second hike took place at the Strathcona Wilderness Centre. We were looking for porcupines but were out of luck. The squirrels were really entertaining; chasing each other up and down trees and jumping from branch to branch. I think they thought my little hiking partner was a tree. They came to within a foot of her. If she wouldn't have moved I'm sure the squirrels would have ran up one side of her and down the other. 
 
The tulips in the floral departments at the grocery store and a visit to a local greenhouse has me longing for some spring color. That blanket of snow in the backyard is taking its sweet time to disappear. I do so enjoy my winter activities and have put a lot of kilometers on my snowshoes but my kayak, tent and bike are ready for some attention. Bring on spring.


What is the first outdoor activity that you will participate in once the snow is gone? Happy Easter everyone!

Snowshoe fun in the woods.

Animal tracks in the snow.

Checking out the worm holes in the snag.