Last weekend we made a quick trip to Milwaukee. Although it is further south than the Twin Cities, the temperatures were still cool and there was a brisk wind blowing. We spent a few hours at the Milwaukee Art Museum and then drove north along the shoreline of Lake Michigan. It was a wonderful drive close by the lake, then through some neighborhoods of large historic mansions and many public parks. The lake was a beautiful almost-turquoise color that contrasted nicely with the clouds. As cool as it was, people were out enjoying the day with its promise of spring.
The tease of a perfect spring day
Tuesday was a perfect spring day with white clouds, warm temperatures, and the smell of spring in the air. There were hints of green in the lawns, buds were evident in the tree branches high above, and birds were singing their spring songs. The white clouds danced in the brilliant blue sky as we softened ourselves to the warmth of the sun. It was wonderful, and I was so thankful for getting outside and soaking it all up. Because….the following day brought wet heavy snow, howling winds, and cold temperatures. Winter has returned for a few days.
Transition season
We are experiencing our transition season as winter slowly gives way to spring. In northern Minnesota and Wisconsin it means give and take – warmer temps one day and snow the next. But our waters are starting to thaw, allowing open water for the birds that are beginning to migrate into the area. The oak trees are holding onto their rust-colored leaves, and the air has been heavy with moisture creating some foggy conditions. It almost seems like fall but this time we know there will be green in the landscape and ice-free lakes and ponds soon.
The rivers are running full
A week ago I spent some time at Amnicon Falls State Park in northern Wisconsin. The snow was especially deep this past winter and it is starting to melt making the rivers full, especially as they near their end. The Amnicon River was used in the mid-1800’s for logging and it eventually flows into Lake Superior. All the snow melt from upstream gets directed over the falls that are in the state park. It was a thundering sound that I heard as I walked next to the Upper Falls. The river is open in some places and in others it flows under snow and ice. The falls aren’t completely open but it won’t be long before the snow and ice are gone. A bit further past the Upper Fall is a lovely walking bridge that crosses the river as it spills over the Lower Falls and eventually to the lake.
Yellow is a lovely sign of spring
Our landscape has been white for so very long that a bright burst of yellow is a true signal of spring. I spent some time at the McNeely Conservatory where it is spring, under glass. Yellow and red tulips, ranunculus, crocus, and daffodils are wonderful (and needed) reminders of the season of spring. These yellow tulips were set off by the blue reflection of the sky in the water behind them. Soon enough we will have spring outside too, and not need to go inside to experience it.
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