We had it all this week; fog, rain, heavy snowfall. The foggiest morning left the tree branches coated in hoar frost. As I walked the trail, when the woods were silent, I could hear the frost crackle. It was eerie but beautiful at the same time.


The first day of spring was a warm +10C with blue sky and sunshine. It was a great day for a hike. The moose were out; mama with her twins and a male/female pair. A black backed woodpecker pecked on the bark of a tall spruce. It's not often that I get to see one of them.
 

Later in the week, the pileated and hairy woodpeckers frequented the backyard feeders. The pileated one was very entertaining. During the winter, the suet blocks were frozen solid but this week they were soft. The pileated woodpecker landed by the suet and proceeded to tap on the block. Its beak sunk to the bottom and it tried all sorts of ways to remove the fat that coated it.


It was a great week for wildlife watching and for hiking. The upcoming week will probably be the last for snowshoeing and x-country skiing. The snow on the trails is starting to deteriorate. 
 
The snow in the backyard will take some time to melt but as it does I'll be planning what to put into the garden beds. I've got some ideas to extend their use by putting in a trellis for some of the vine crops. As much as I like the snow, I also like gardening and camping so as the seasons change so will my outdoor activities. I'm outside no matter what season or temperature.


Are you planning your garden? Enjoy!