Spring has run away

More snow and cold

Does anyone know where the Spring has gone? We are in the single digits again this morning and got an extra inch of snow added to the pile that still hangs on the mountain. It is getting harder to believe that Spring is here when you wake up to 6 degrees. The forecast for next week isn't so grim. Somehow today it is supposed to get in the 40's and by the end of the week we are to touch 60. Please mother nature don't be lying to me. You have tempted me in the past to believe that Spring was here only to sprinkle me with more snow and turn my play ground into a freezer.

Everyone is counting the minutes until we can again move freely outside without heavy coats and boats. The summer birds are already here singing anytime it gets above freezing trying to lure Spring into making a comeback. The difference between up here and Wellsboro is as usual very significant. You would never guess there is any snow and ice here when you see mostly bare ground down there. I caution everyone not to drive on the unplowed roads without having chains with you. There is still a lot of ice and snow on North Face roads. The Sun is peaking through the bare trees as I write these words hovered over a heater. Let the warm up begin! Mountain girl, Paula logging out.

Spring Equinox Snow...Leetonia's March Madness!

Spring Snow

The Robins have been out and many summer birds are coming back. I am sure they saying to themselves, "What was I thinking coming back here today".Oh yes, you read it right we got snow today a solid 4 inches of very wet snow. I was the first to drive up the mountain in the fresh snow and believe it or not that is the road in front of me. It can be hard to see the edges of the road when it is white and no one has gone before you.  The good news is we don't have 3 months of winter ahead of us. This will melt quickly and in a couple weeks the road will be opened to all. I am still not recommending a trip on any of the unplowed roads as many still have some deep spots on them. So March madness continues in Leetonia the see-saw of Winter vs Spring, snow vs mud. Just remember the beginning of trout season is a short three weeks away. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

ROAD UPDATE: ELK TOWNSHIP PLOWED LEETONIA RD DOWN TO THE MORRIS TWP LINE THAT IS RIGHT BEFORE MINE HOLE ROAD. THEY DID NOT CINDER AND CAUTION THAT THERE ARE STILL MANY ICE SPOTS, BUT THE DEEP SNOW IS GONE ON THAT PART OF ROAD.

Maple time only in PA

Maple Syrup time in the cemetery

Just when you think you seen it all. I found these maple trees scattered in the cemetery all being tapped. I wonder if the syrup is a bit sweeter there? It might depend on who is buried near the tree. Maple syrup time is in full swing and so is melting time. It rained this morning and we are now officially half mud and half snow/slush. Don't even think about traveling any unplowed road in the State Forest. Everything on the south side of the mountains has melted and everything on North side is still more than a foot deep.
The warm weather has brought the Turkeys out. This has made the little chihuahua quite happy as he missed being able to roll in fresh turkey poop. Shortly, after his bath his turned himself green rolling. Lee was not happy to repeat his bath.
We all have enjoyed temperatures as high as 50 degrees this week. Attitudes improve greatly with the warming of the weather and the longer light times. My wood pile is disappearing much slower and the cart of wood last 2 days instead of a half day. I got to spend a short time sitting on the porch in the sun this week the first time since Fall. I will let you all know when the roads are plowed. If you attempt to drive up before then good luck...you will need it. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out

Spring forward?

Skiing down Leetonia Rd

Leetonia Rd south of house

Intersection Leetonia Road Cedar Mtn Rd. looking down Cedar Mtn Rd.

The time changed last night but alas the roads are holding fast with snow. The next few weeks will be the most difficult time to travel any unplowed roads in the State Forest. Bare spots often lull people into thinking all is okay until they travel just far enough up the road to be stuck. The roads will be plowed open by April 15th and I would highly recommend waiting until they are plowed to attempt traveling down any unplowed roads without a snowmobile.

I cross-country skied down Leetonia Road a mile to the intersection of Cedar Mtn Road this morning. You could hear the sound of the snow melting and gurgling down the creeks. Our house is a great place to live if you like skiing or snowmobiling as you just walk out the door and go. It was quiet out as I saw not one snowmobile. Scooter went with me and was happy for the 32 degrees and a nice walk. We flushed up a couple of grouse in the pines on our way down the hill. The places the snowmobile grader has gone are nice and flat compared to the short mile I traveled full of humps and bumps. Last week gave us more snow and some nasty -18 weather. This week promises temperatures in the 40's and renews a hope that Spring is just around the corner. I enjoy the fact the day light hours are now a bit longer that with a combination of the time change will allow a lot more light at the end of a work day.  

I am looking forward to seeing some other colors beside white and grey. I know the trees are anxious to start growing once again as well. Taps are in the maple trees and the sap is flowing on these above freezing days. The Maple festivals will be in full bloom by the third week of March. The sap bring syrup and life to the trees to again embrace a time of growing and warmth. I love the beauty of winter but I will not miss the sting of its cold air. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.