It’s a beautiful blue sky 15C afternoon so Tom and I did the most logical thing – we walked to Hawrelak to officially welcome back the geese. There was a lot of them. We couldn’t get too close, either because the ground was too wet or the geese were too angry.
Two of a thousand returning geeseThat’s close enough…
March has been incredibly warm, so we’ve lost most of the snow and the river is slowly melting. The gorgeous patterns of the thin covering of river ice cover changes daily.
Doesn’t really capture the majesty of hundreds of squawking geese
It was a great walk, but long and warm. I had my coat tied around my waist and there were lots of pebbles in my running shoes. Well worth it though to see all the geese. They always seem to come back too early, but this year it seems like we’re getting early spring.
Walked to an absolutely packed Hawrelak Park for a socially distanced but affectionately close weenie roast with Janna, Grace, Colleen, Lisa, and Kate. With the exception of Lisa (Colleen’s partner) and Barb, who was not there, these are the wonderful gals I spent my birthday with in Scottsdale in 2013.
The park was absolutely packed. I’m not sure if there was an event, but I think the combination of the warm weather, blue skies, and covid lockdown drove folks to the park, and particularly the lake (for skating). I’m glad I walked down there because there wasn’t a parking spot to be found.
This was taken from a video, which I can’t seem to upload
It was fantastic to see my friends again…in person. It takes a lot of coordination to share meals with people outside your bubble these days. Lots of separate containers, disinfectant and personal utensils, so thanks to Colleen and Lisa for the major set up, including the weenies and the fire.
The last couple of times I’ve been around a wood stove or bonfire, it starts out feeling great, but then later it’s like I’ve been in the backseat of a car with two heavy smokers (you know, like every car trip of my childhood). It takes 24 hours for me to lose that slightly sick feeling. I never used to be that sensitive to smoke, but I am now. Hopefully soon we will be able to gather indoors.
The not-quite-finished Ice Castle in Hawrelak Park
The week between Christmas and New Years is typically cold as balls, but this year, it was mild. Today, the sky was blue and the temperature reached plus 4! However, as I write this (Jan 2), Facebook has reminded me that last year it was 8C, a record breaking day for Edmonton. Nevertheless, it was beautiful and sunny.
Tom and I walked to Hawrelak Park from my place. Round trip it ended up at 13,633 steps. My feet were very tired/sore and I blame my newish boots. I’ve certainly had better over the years.
Hawrelak lake, not completely iced overThe North Saskatchewan River from the Hawrelak/Laurier Park footbridge
There were many, many people at Hawrelak. It was teeming with winter enjoyists skating at the newly created oval near the lake (which has not completely frozen over), trekking the trails, and even barbecuing. We wandered by the ice castle, and though it was spectacular it is not yet finished. There was an ice carver on the top, working in a t-shirt against the blue sky. Not something you see everyday.
Dude in t-shirt working on the ice castle
It seemed a little quiet in the woods. I have read that there are far fewer songbirds now, and that may account for the quiet canopy. On the other hand, it may also have something to do with the time of day (we left around 1 pm). Still, there were chirping chickadees and the odd woodpecker. I tipped one of the many bird feeders over (slightly) to get some seed, and eventually a chickadee landed on my outstretched hand. I always feel so honoured when a bird eats out of my hand, even if I had to borrow the seed. Must remember to pack some for my next walk in the woods.
Tom contemplating life, the universe and everything. Also, the Oilers.
It’s easy to get lulled into a state of comfortable amnesia by the relatively mild December and early January we are having, but the weather wasn’t dissimilar from last year and we still got nailed in February. Fingers crossed. I am back at work as of today, and this morning it was 2C but now it’s -1C and rather blowy. Blue sky though!
