Another week, another nor’easter is blowing up the East Coast. The snowstorm is supposed to hit us tonight and tomorrow, leaving between a foot and a foot and a half of snow. March snowstorms are not unusual in Maine, but this year takes the cake, as the saying goes. Three nor’easters in two weeks is a bit much, even for us. In short, it’s been a doozy of a March.
Instead of brooding about yet another major storm, I have decided to focus on the Kennebec River, which flows through central Maine as it makes its way to the Atlantic Ocean. Yesterday, in between doing errands, I took pictures of the Kennebec, and the river shows how slowly, slowly spring is indeed coming to northern New England. Nor’easter be damned!
But first, as a reminder of just how icy things were, I am going to post a picture of the Kennebec River in January, when there was a deep freeze and then a quick thaw. Frozen river as far as the eye can see.
Here is what the Kennebec River looked like yesterday. All right, there is still snow and ice, but note the open water. For a Mainer, that counts as real progress toward spring.
Still, there are plenty of fascinating ice chunks. They almost look like rocks, don’t they? Those ice chunks are pretty darned thick.
Here is a closer look.
And then there is this for a mini-iceberg look.
In the upcoming weeks, I’ll be taking more pictures as the river continues to thaw, and spring, in its fitful way, comes to central Maine. I’m also thinking of taking weekly pictures of my little patch of land so that readers unused to deep winter can watch with amazement as our snowbound yard is released.
Somehow, this cycle of freeze, thaw, and rebirth never seems stale or repetitious to me. Each year, with amazement, I note the changes, and although it is the oldest story in the world, it always seems new to me.
Rivers, ponds, lakes, forests, and even yards all have their stories to tell for those who care to look.
Notes From the Hinterland 
Thanks for sharing all those interesting pictures with us.
My pleasure!
Lovely post, Laurie. “as our snowbound yard is released” – I loved that phrase. It is bitter and cold here – lots of wind and not a hint of sun. I am a bit grumpy about it, but don’t expect anywhere near the amount of snow headed your way. So, perhaps I will try to be less grumpy.
Thanks, Jodie! By the time March rolls around, everyone in the North East is ready for warmer weather.
That first sunny day in the garden is going to feel so good!
You bet!
Progress is the best we can hope for. Stay safe and warm!
Will do! We are ready.
Wonderful photos and text, your love of your place in the world comes across in your words. 😀
Many thanks! I do love central Maine.
It all makes me feel happier to live in Langholm even in the winter. You can have too much snow!
Remember, this is more or less normal for us. Winter without lots of snow just wouldn’t feel right. 😉
How right you are! Though we don’t have the dramatic range of changes you have in the higher latitudes, the seasonalchanges of natural bodies are endlessly fascinating. Thanks for the lovely pics and descriptions!
You’re most welcome! Nature is endlessly fascinating, no matter the latitude.
Amazing photos of Mother Nature at work. The iceberg is a great capture.
Thanks, Judy! I was so lucky to get that shot. The light was fabulous—grey and moody.
For us, this is such an education. Keep them coming, Laurie
Will do! Thanks, Derrick.
Wow. That iceberg is quite something. Hope you keep your electricity through the storm.
That was a lucky shot, wasn’t it? And the light was just right. I am hopeful that we won’t lose our power. As with the other two storms, most of the wind is predicted to be worst on the coast. But we are prepared. 😉
Have fun with the snow today! 😛 Hope it’s not too heavy or too much!! Spring is coming at some point!
Spring is coming. Always slow in Maine. As I’m one of those weirdos who likes winter, it doesn’t bother me overly much. As long as we don’t lose our power. 😉
I picked a big bunch of pussywillows yesterday and now winter is back in full force! I hope you don’t lose your power. Stay warm.
Wish I knew of a place to pick pussy willows. Such a sweet sign of early spring. The weather forecast indicates that in central Maine, the wind won’t be too bad, and I am feeling very hopeful that we won’t lose our power. But of course you never know. We are prepared. 😉 And, yes, stay warm.
Beautiful series, especially the mini-iceberg photo!🙂
Thanks so much!
I’m glad that spring is making progress on the Kennebec.
Slowly but surely.
Fabulous photos, Laurie. I was interested to see the enormous ice chunks in the river and that iceberg is a monster! Please do share your emerging yard!
Thanks, Clare. Will do. Until the snow is gone, I’m going to have Clif stand by the snow banks so there is a frame of reference.
I look forward to this! Clif ‘Snow-gauge’ Graves 😀
Thanks for the great name suggestion. Clif “snow-gauge” Graves will make his first appearance on Monday, March 19. Also happens to be our 41 wedding anniversary.
Congratulations in advance! Wow!