As I’ve mentioned before, it has been one heck of a March, with three bad storms—all nor’easters—right in a row. A fourth blew up the coast last week, but it decided not to come this far north. While we were sorry for the folks in New York that got hammered, we were grateful to be spared.
Even as recently as two days ago, when I took the dog for a walk, it felt like winter, and the air smelled cold. Truth be told, I like that smell—one of the joys of winter.
But today—wonder of wonders—it felt as though spring was at least thinking of coming to Maine. The day was warm, soft even, and I decided to go out and about around town to see if I could find any signs of spring.
Up the road, I found a few pussy willows that were just beginning to show their pretty faces.
In town, at Norcross point, a little park by Maranacook Lake, there was a sure sign of spring in Maine. Mud, glorious mud, and this is just the start. But we have to get through the mud before true spring arrives, which was why it was irritating to have so many snow storms. They just delayed the coming of mud.
But still, there was plenty to admire at Norcross Point—the trees by the lake, the blue water, the receding line of ice. Around here, there is always great speculation about when there will be ice out at the various lakes and ponds. Another month, I think, and I’ll be watching.
And just to remind readers that winter is not quite done, here is a picture of the snowy park and the empty benches.
Leaving Norcross Point, in true Maine fashion, I got stuck in the snow and the muck. Years of experience have taught me to proceed with a very light foot in such situations, and I was able to work my way out by backing up until I came to more solid ground.
So it begins. Come mud, come spring!
Notes From the Hinterland 
Glad your experience got you out of the mud all right!
So was I! Didn’t want to have to call a tow truck.
I love the pussy willows. One of my favorite signs of spring.
Me, too!
Ah, mud season, so much fun. 😉 At least it is sweetened with maple syrup. 🙂
Yes, indeed!
I’m sick of winter!
(But I like your photos)
Take care–
Neil S.
😉
The photos of the snow are beautiful but I can see how you would have to tread lightly.
Sure do!
I have had two scrapes to my car while driving – one in snow and one in mud. I think they are as bad as each other for slipperyness. I did like your photo of the pussy willow!
You got that right! And in the parking lot, I was dealing with both snow and mud. I won’t be going there until the lot is clear. I can park other places to take pictures of the lake.
It looks so serene while there is still snow. I love this transitionary phase and am glad you got out of the mud safely! ☺💖 xxx
Me, too! I sure didn’t want to have call a tow truck.
Signs at last. Photography as good as ever
Thanks, Derrick!
It seems so odd to be thrilled to see mud! For me, I cannot WAIT for the ice to go out. Seeing moving water outside the window makes me feel so much happier.
Yes, yes!
Thank you for the chuckle. 🙂 It’s probably only New Englanders who get giddy when mud season arrives, but we sure do.
A sign of spring but nobody around here is sorry to see the mud dry up. 😉
Sorry you have been afflicted with so many storms this winter. My grandson lives in NYC, and we’ve heard about the storms from him. Lovely pictures today. I was delighted to see the pussywillows. Haven’t seen any here yet, but I’ll be on the lookout.
And now comes the mud! I will be keeping my eyes peeled for pussywillows.
I am very pleased that at least we don’t get your mud season here. It would really strain my patience.
Tootlepedal, you are right to be thankful. Mud season is a horror. So dirty and depressing. Ah, well…
Loved the pussy willows. There’s hope out there
They have the sweetest little faces, don’t they?
: )