WHERE IS SPRING

Skiing Sun Peaks with friend Ian Logan

The day after we left for our western ski trip to BC it snowed over a foot at Foxwood. That was on March 2 and so it became obvious that March would be coming in like a lion. Here we are, just into the month of April and we are back into cold temperatures. Last night it went all the way down to -15C, and it's going to happen again tonight. By the end of this week the weather forecasters say we could have as much as 30 cm of new snow. Looks like April is in like a lion too!

Ragged Falls in flood

There are a few good things to the colder weather and one of them is to slow down the snow melt. The region has had a huge amount of rain over the last few days and there is flooding happening in many areas. The rivers and creeks have been running full tilt. We took a drive around yesterday to see what was going on. It was quite awe inspiring to see the power behind all that water rushing down.

Foxwood dock under 4" of water

Lake of Bays has risen well over foot in only the last few days. Our dock is currently about 4" underwater. Fortunately, the lake ice is still in so we don't have to worry about the wave action combining with the high water to erode the shoreline or damage our the dock. With a few more dry or cold days we should see the lake levels drop to safer levels.
It looks like relief from the colder temperatures is coming next week and then it's into spring clean up to get the grounds raked up and summer cottages opened.

WHAT'S WRONG WITH THIS PICTURE......nothing!

Winter has finally reached us. After spending about a month bumping along, teasing us with some cold and some snow, then pulling it back with rain and heat, it now looks like it's here to stay.

Snow covered trees on the Foxwood snowshoe trails

The lake had its official lake ice in day in front of Foxwood on January 14. The snowmobile trails have struggled with getting the wet spots frozen but now it looks like enough snow has accumulated to fill the low areas and smooth things out. It was only in the last day or two that we saw the first sleds going across the ice down Haystack Bay. It was about that time when I was asked about how much ice is needed to drive a snowmobile over the lake. The answer is simple. None. Most sleds these days have enough power to skim over water easily without sinking, but just don't let them get bogged down or come to a stop. The ice is getting thicker by the day, however it's best to check with local clubs to get a read on where it is OK to go.

Julia making friends with a grey jay

Yesterday we took along our camera for our daily snowshoe around the property. There was a dusting of snow blanketing every branch and it was stunning. The birds were everywhere, just flitting about looking for food. A few years ago we captured a pic of Julia feeding a grey jay. Unfortunately, we missed getting another pic like the last one.

If you are thinking about getting your winter engine going now is the time. The ski areas are open, cross country skiing tracksets are in, the ice skate trails are open and sledding has begun.