Not Quite Winter - Not Quite Spring

These photos were taken on a recent visit to Frank's place. Many of the huge ice blocks from the flood a few weeks earlier had diminished significantly, and getting around on the paths was much easier, albeit muddier. Though warmer weather prevailed since my last time in town, the temperatures dropped after the first day, and our walks were brisk and all too reminiscent of the recently departed winter.

Muddy puddles and moisture on branches froze overnight, and Frank's idea to make a turkey dinner became more and more appealing. Delicious scents of roast turkey, stuffing and vegetables made his house a welcomed, cozy shelter from the cold. Hot apple pie and ice cream topped the evening off perfectly. No pictures of dinner - it disappeared too quickly.




With the changing seasons, so comes changes to the landscape. The shoreline of the creek erodes each year. Cracks in the banks eventually broaden, and large chunks of earth fall into the creek, sometimes taking trees with them. As the creek widens, it becomes more shallow which means warmer water and changing conditions for the fish which live within, and other wildlife which depend on them. (please click to enlarge)




Another large crack further along the shore. This piece of earth is probably in Lake Ontario by now. (please click to enlarge)




This is the same park bench which was previously surrounded with blocks of ice from the flood earlier this month. You can see how it looked just two weeks earlier in the image inset at the top right. (please click to enlarge)




Frank proudly shows how his caring ministration allowed this tree to recover from its near-horizontal, post-flood position. Nicely done, Tree Whisperer. (please click to enlarge)




Another risk to nature at this time of the year is brush fires. This small one was caught early enough to cause only minimal damage. It happened shortly after a morning walk and was photographed through Frank's front room window. (please click to enlarge)




It had become cold enough for the water's edge to refreeze, creating an icy border along the shoreline. Duck footprints wander along the muddy banks. (please click to enlarge)




Water droplets froze in mid-drip off of the dried brush of last year's vegetation. If you look closely, you can see a bit a green from this year's new growth. (please click to enlarge)




A pause along the worn footpath in the field to snap a shot of these milkweed seeds. This summer, they'll be in full bloom and attracting Monarch butterflies. (please click to enlarge)




If you take a look at the right-hand side of the photo, you'll see a little flash of white, which is the reason for these ducks in flight. (please click to enlarge)




This lone duck enjoyed a drink of water while afloat amid the sparkles of the setting sun. (please click to enlarge)