Mud, potholes, water and beauty

Water Fall along Leetonia Rd.

Rock Slide 414 near Cedar Run Creek Bridge

I traveled up from Cedar Run tonight in 2-wheel drive. If you have a car you love and would be upset if it hit a pothole or got muddy don't come up yet. Otherwise it is quite drive able. This time of year you have to watch out for rocks falling as the weather warms and the rain comes down. The second picture shows them clearing the road near the Cedar Run Creek Bridge on 414. I had to wait a bit before I could get by. The rocks as large as the ones they are moving could kill more than your car. The smaller rocks are sharp and play whack a mole on your tires.

The combination of the rain and snow melt has popped Pine Creek up over 6 foot a few times and it is still running high for the skilled boat person this is the time they love. I myself like it from 2-4 feet 6 sort of scares me. The sound of the creeks rushing and the beautiful falls this time a year makes the drive up the back roads worth the torture to your vehicle. This weekend I am opening up one of the camps and praying that the well will start as our ground frost is still pretty deep. Next weekend is the opening to trout season so many a Leetonia Fisherman will be stalking the streams. The weather is supposed to be in the 60's over the weekend and I am loving that. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

Road Conditions for the weekend

Just an update on Leetonia Rd. coming up from Cedar Run. The road is 75% melted. The stretches that are ice run 1/4 to 1/2 mile long. The two sections of narrow road right before Leetonia is one of those. I came up without chains as it was raining and warm. I traveled slow in four-wheel drive through the icy sections and was fine. However during times the temperatures drop below freezing these areas could become very slick and hazardous. On a mountain girl scale of 1-10(10 being forget it, 1 being flat-lander safe) today with above freezing weather. I give it a four. I still recommend having chains with you for weather changes and four-wheel drive is the best. From Leetonia up to our place it is icy under the trees to Micks old place. Then the last mile to our house is the deepest of all the slush ice anywhere. After our place you are home free if you stay on Leetonia Rd. Just remember sides of the mountain the sun don't hit are still going to have ice and snow.
Tuesday we got 5 inches of snow. I didn't want to post anymore snow pictures so look at the last two posts if you want to remember what snow looks like. Most of that snow melted in the 55 degree weather today up top and the 65 degree day in Wellsboro. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out and hoping Spring comes and stays.

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.

The Never Ending Winter

Snowmobiles finding plowed road

Multiple snowmobile turn arounds

last of front porch wood

Well today is the last of February and the wood on the front porch has made it through the cold weather as Lee predicated. We still have wood on the back porch for what should be the down side of winter the next few months. Although, the official end of Winter is March 21st the end of using firewood often does not come until May. We have had many below zero temperatures this winter and are hoping this morning's -12 is the last of them. Unlike the winter of 2012 when winter never showed this winter and last has had cold temperatures driving the depth of frost deep.  Last year there was still ice on the ground in April and I had a hard time getting water to start in two of the camps I take care of. This year is more of the same. We are very much hoping for the above freezing temperatures promised for next week although that will lead to the dreaded melting March combo's of mud, ice, rain, snow and whatever mother nature can think of.

For those of you thinking of driving your regular vehicle through the State Forest I would advise against it for now. No one will pull you out and it will be April before the road is plowed again. When the weather gets above freezing the nice packed snow you might have driven on will become a deep wet snow trap. One winter Lee and I spent 4 hours making the trip from Cedar Run up to the house and I walked the last 3 miles to get the snowmobile so I could pick up the groceries and Lee. Once the road refroze over night driving out again became possible. Best to wait a couple months, or plan on skiing, hiking, or snowmobling into camp for now.

We have more snow in the forecast for Sunday then a nice warm up next week.  Today we are enjoying the comfort of a good fire listening to the snow come off the roof and the snowmobilers turning around at the sight of plowed road from our house up. Enjoy the weekend in the woods safely. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

State Forest Roads closed

Snow from front of house

Driveway

The State Forest Roads are closed according to Paula. Traveling with anything but a snowmobile this morning is nearly impossible. The exception being the road in front of my house that is plowed out to the Gaines side. Those who dare make the trip with a car or truck on other than plowed roads are in for a 10 inch base which was followed by at least 8 inches last night. I, in fact, waited until the plow came at 9 am to venture out for anything but cleaning off my own drive and the neighbors drive with the 4-wheeler plow. The fact I even came up the State Forest Road last Friday was greeted with a slap to the back of my head by our Elk Township road clearer, Lee. If it was folly then it is impossible now. It is still lightly snowing/misting. The temperatures are supposed to go up today and we are getting a little wet stuff on top of the snow. For now don't plan on coming to Leetonia past my house with anything but a snowmobile. Have a great snowy Leetonia day. Mountain girl, Paula, logging off and shoveling out.

Snowmobile Heaven Vehicle Hell

I came up from Cedar Run last night with my Toyota FJ Cruiser. On a scale of 1-10 for difficulty I am giving it an 8 and a 10 for fear factor. The snow although only 8 inches deep it did not pack down well. Usually after the snowmobiles have run on it for a while you can climb on top of it to drive. This was not the case Friday night. My vehicle sunk through and it seems to be pulled around a lot by the texture and ruts in the snow. It took me 45 minutes to make the 8 mile trip most of it at 5 mph in low 4 wheel drive. I didn't have chains on as the other person who used chains said they didn't help. It is sort of like driving in loose sand.
Of course it is perfect ski and snowmobile weather and the snowmobilers are out and making up for a dead season up to this point. We are expecting anywhere from 8 to 12 more inches Sunday-Monday so I will not be going down in the truck towards Cedar Run anytime soon. Lee said a car came down the road which is plowed to our house and made it only a few feet into the unplowed part and turned around....wise very wise. You do not want to get stuck on a State Forest Road in this weather wind chills are supposed to be dangerously low today and if you can get towed(and that is a big if) it will cost you $500 or more and many insurance companies don't cover tows in off road areas, which they consider roads without winter maintenance to be.  If you are snowmobiling be careful, let someone know where you are going or travel in a group, and please don't drive drunk unless you are planning on loosing your life in the middle of the woods. It looks like I will be doing a lot of snow removal over the weekend. I will update at end of the weather to let you know how much we got. Enjoy the snow and be safe. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

Sunny Sunday

Top of Hill

Pine Forest

Moss on stone

Winter green(Spring Red)

The sun came out today to do serious battle with the rest of the snow and ice. I can now walk to the top of my hill without slipping and sliding it is wonderful. It amazes me how quickly the air warms up in the morning when it is sunny and calm. 

I walked to the top of the hill to take a shot over the trees as you see in the first picture there is something starting to happen a little haze of growth coming over them in a few spots. It will be a while to see any sort of leaves, but for now the winter is over.

Light filters down in the pine forest in a special way in the second picture and gives you almost a magical feeling when you walk through it. The only colors right now are the green of the pines,the red hue of buds and wintergreen, and the green of the moss on the ground, which is very responsive to any first light of Spring and almost glows when it first starts to grow.

The Wintergreen or Bayberry in the last picture has a very different reaction to the new warmth. All winter it stays green and then in the Spring turns this bright red. The berries are a wonderful breath freshener and I never forget to pop one in when I walk by one of these plants. 

If you look you can still find snow on the North sides of the mountain and ice clinging to the rocks slowly and stubbornly refusing to leave. But I decided I had enough ice and snow pictures for the year and wanted you to feel Leetonia's move to Spring. I even saw a few yellow flowers along the road when I drove to Leetonia yesterday. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera with me or they would have made the blog. Spring is one of my favorite times of year. The grass is low, the bugs haven't arrived and you can watch the forest change daily coming into a vibrant living expression of all the energy the sun sends to it. Today is a good day to enjoy a walk in Leetonia or anywhere in nature. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

Downtown Leetonia late 1800's

Leetonia Main St.

Company Store and Office

Leetonia Hotel

The first picture shows a long row of houses leading up the main area of Leetonia. I am thinking the fences around the properties might have been to keep the cows out, which roamed freely though out the town. I don't have any way to know and if any of you have another reason for the fences I would be glad to hear it.

Towards the end of the row sat the company store and office, which was on the property we removed the trailer from last Fall. This store basically used most of the workers wages to buy good and pay rent. There wasn't much left over from your wages when you left and sometimes you might even run into debt to the store. Leetonia was a company town and you didn't fair any better than the servants of the old country did working the land for the Land Barons.

The last picture shows the only picture I know of the Leetonia Hotel. It sat to the South end past the store. That would be right about where Pettites driveway comes up. There were also homes on the other side of the road not visible in this picture. 

Road update: The road is passable without four-wheel drive. There are still icy spots which can last several hundred yards on the North sides of the mountain and in areas shaded by pine trees. Lee came up the road Wednesday with the FJ Cruiser and didn't have it in four-wheel drive. I would still recommend going slow as the icy areas can come up quickly. We have the possibility of new snow(no accumulation) for Saturday evening. Sunday is supposed to be a nice sunny day. 

The bad news is I opened three camps this week and two of them the water would not work due to the very cold weather the ground is still frozen. I chipped four inches of ice off the top of one well. That pipe to house is only 1-2 foot deep and the ground is not unfrozen around it at all. The other camp the pipe is buried much deeper, but I couldn't put anything into the ground more than an inch.  Guess what I am saying is expect problems getting water to run this early in the season. Be prepared and bring your own water with you if you want to stay this weekend. I have hopes this will all change in the next two weeks. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

Elk Township starts work to reopen Leetonia Road

Road after grader

Yesterday I heard the sound of a large machine and looked outside to see the township grader coming down the road. Six large tires chained, some aggressive teeth and a blade hit the road past our house. I watched as the teeth bit into the ice in front of the grader and the large machine struggled swinging from side to side with wheels spinning a battle against the frozen ice and snow covered road. As Lee and I watched Ed run the machine up the road we had real concern for him navigating a winter's worth of ice and snow. The big grader has tasted defeat on this road before and there isn't any cell service to the South of us.

Just about the time Lee said, "Should I go look for him?" We heard the rumble of the heavy machine coming back. I went down and talked to Ed before I drove into town and he said that they may bring the truck with the plow on it down Saturday. He was hoping the coming rain would soften up the ice and make it easier to get off with the truck. 

The day he came it was still in the 20's and even after the grader beat on the road there was still \ 2-3 inches of ice left. He said he used the grader from my place down to just past Cedar Crest Camp. I am not sure I share Ed's optimism on that ice softening up enough that the truck will be able to plow it by Saturday, but I hope he is right.

It did start raining today and I was awoken to the sound of a Cardinal's call outside my window. The quiet mornings of winter are over. I spotted a Bluebird, Turkey Vulture, Rabbit, and fresh muddy bear tracks on my neighbor's porch. So the animals have put in a positive vote for Spring and with the arrival of the large yellow grader I too am starting to believe. 

You should still use four-wheel drive coming up the valley and be prepared for icy spots like the above picture if you come up this weekend. I think the majority of the ice might be gone before the following weekend as the temperatures are going well above freezing for the next ten days. Happy Road Opening. Mountain Girl, Paula, logging out.

Frozen in Leetonia

Frozen Donut

Frozen wall along Leetonia Road

Frozen Falls behind log cabin on Leetonia Road

Yesterday, we made a trip down Leetonia Road to Cedar Run our first in a long time. The warm weather last weekend combined with the -14 yesterday turned the road into a hard pack of ice and snow we could navigate with the Subaru. It was pretty easy going as long as we went slow and stayed in the center until the last 2 miles down from Mine Hole to 414. This part of the road is not groomed by the snowmobile groomer and there were some deep tire marks that froze into pretty tough ruts. Still all in all it was far from the worst time we have driven on the road. Fortunately, we met no one as passing would be extremely hard without someone getting stuck. Until the weather changes the road is passable by four-wheel drivers using extreme caution.

I took a few pictures along the way and was excited to find a snow phenomenon that rarely occurs. It is called a snow roller or donut. Here is the definition:

A snow roller is a rare meteorological phenomenon in which large snowballs are formed naturally as chunks of snow are blown along the ground by wind, picking up material along the way, in much the same way that the large snowballs used in snowmen are made.

Unlike snowballs made by people, snow rollers are typically cylindrical in shape, and are often hollow since the inner layers, which are the first layers to form, are weak and thin compared to the outer layers and can easily be blown away, leaving what looks like a doughnut or Swiss roll. Snow rollers have been seen to grow as large as two feet in diameter.

The following conditions are needed for snow rollers to form:

• There must be a relatively thin surface layer of wet, loose snow, with a temperature near the melting point of ice
• Under this thin layer of wet snow there must be a substrate to which the thin surface layer of wet snow will not stick, such as ice or powder snow
• The wind must be strong enough to move the snow rollers, but not strong enough to blow them apart.
• Alternatively, gravity can move the snow rollers as when a snowball, such as those that will fall from a tree or cliff, lands on a steep hill and begins to roll down the hill.

Because of this last condition, snow rollers are more common in hilly areas. However, the precise nature of the conditions required makes them a very rare phenomenon. 

The ones I took a picture of where probably made some time ago, but were still holding their shape. I noticed several along the road going to Cedar Run. It almost looks like some little elves were busy in the forest making sculptures. 

Along with the snow donuts the ice falls were as beautiful as ever. The extreme cold we have experienced has made them very thick and colorful. Some blues and browns are seen by the human eye and a better camera than I had to take the above pictures. 

Today there were a lot of turkeys and deer out in the sunny day looking for some acorns and other things to eat before we get more snow. Possible 1-3 tomorrow predicted and it looks like March isn't giving up the negative temperatures quit yet with a negative ten predicted Monday night. I don't know about anyone else but I am ready for a March meltdown. It has been a long, cold winter in Leetonia this year and it is far from over. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

Mountain girls break from the weather

Top of the Mountain

Pipeline

In front of house

Lee and I left for the first time in twelve years during a winter weekend. We didn't have to go far south to find the snow gone. Unfortunately, when we came back Monday our snow had not disappeared much. I did notice about a foot drop in some of the piles and a few places the plowed road are down to the dirt. The unplowed roads are icy, hard-packed snow with lots of snowmobile hills on them. Not good cross-country ski snow. You might be able to travel them in a four-wheel drive vehicle with chains if you stay exactly in the middle. It will be a difficult journey and if the temperatures rise it could get tricky. Right now it looks like the weather will be below freezing for highs during the next ten days and no significant snowfall. Although I don't trust any forecast more than a day in advance as it seems they are constantly changing their minds.

February will not be the month to take the snow of this mountain. March is always our melting month and can be the most difficult month to travel unplowed areas of the forest. I am hoping March can make a dent in the snow cover as I am more than ready to see the ground again. Spring is only a month away and I am hoping not much snow remains when April arrives. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

Porky pining away in Leetonia

Nap Time for Porky

Pettite's Camp

Steele Waters

Pine Lined road

Valley Hi

Leetonia

It was a perfect snow day to cross country ski down to Leetonia. The snowmobiles were running but it wasn't so bad that I couldn't share the road with them. It was a beautiful day to be out and on silent skis I see a bit more than the faster noisier sleds.

The first thing I saw was a deer about a half mile from my house who decided I was too strange to take a chance on and headed back up into the woods. Then as I approached the sharp turn before Mick's old place within ten foot of the road sat a porcupine no farther than about eight foot above the road. He was sound asleep and it was hard to tell that he wasn't dead. He just hung there breathing slowly and from the looks of the hemlock tree he might of been dreaming of the bark and leaves he ate the night before. I often see porcupines up in the trees during the winter sleeping but they are usually much higher so I was able to get a nice picture of him before I headed on down to Leetonia. 

There wasn't a living soul in Leetonia, but I always feel the presence of old residents especially when everyone else is gone. Everything is white sprinkled with tall green pines and quiet except for a few snowmobiles.  We have had so much snow I am starting to go a bit winter blind. I am definitely ready to see some other color beside white. I skied down to the Ruins and back getting a short video of a few snowmobilers. I was surprised to see my sleepy little friend still resting on the low branch even though several sleds had noisily ripped by him. 

Cross country skiing on the snowmobile road isn't bad but you do have to watch out for them coming around the corners. Also it is a bit rougher than a trail groomed for skiing, but not as bad as going across unpacked snow which is now over two foot deep in some places. If I am not too stiff I may get out again tomorrow. It always feels good to breath the air and see the animals of Leetonia. Mountian girl, Paula, logging out.

Internet Blues

Sorry not to get anything up before the weekend our internet went down last Monday and they just fixed it a couple hours ago. The roads are still quite icy underneath the 4 new inches of snow we got a couple days ago. A few snowmobilers have been out, but for the most part a very quiet weekend. Just the kind the mountain girls like. One group was up to Leetonia for the weekend and discovered it was even difficult to walk outside. They were given a primer on spikes for your shoes. See this old post for a picture of the ones I have.  I keep a pair in my car at all times just in case I need to get out. Nothing worse then stepping out of your car and finding yourself laying on the ground.
I will try to update you on the roads next weekend before the weekend with a few pictures. For now enjoy winter it will be around a few more months. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

Icelandia

Driveway

Ice road

2 of 6 Turkeys on the hill

As I listened to the rain fall last evening, I knew we were in store for some bad roads. The ground is very frozen from our below zero weather last week and the rain didn't stay liquid long when it hit the earthen ice-cube. Our driveway is an ice-skating rink leading down to the road which isn't in much better condition. Just looking at it makes the muscles in my chest tighten in preparation for driving over the mountain. 

My least favorite weather: chain and cleats for your shoes weather. Falling can result in a nasty bone break, muscle strain or worse a head injury. Driving on this is like floating on a boat in the wind without a rudder. I am hoping the township brings some more cinders down before I need to leave for work tomorrow morning. This is the kind of weather it is really better to stay home, wish I had that option. 

Before we got the rain, Lee saw about six turkeys walking on the side of the mountain next to our house. They eat the seeds on the weeds stretching their necks high to reach any seed still left for the taking. They seem to like the Multifloria Rose berries as much as any thing they can find. You may have to look close to see them as their color blends into the patches of brown against the snow.

I wouldn't recommend anyone coming back here unless they have to. It is not going to be fun traveling until we either get some more snow on top this ice or it all melts in March or April. The temperatures are about ten degrees lower back here than what the forecast shows for the area because of the snow cover and the mass of very frozen ground keeping the air temperatures low. As always be prepared for any emergency if you do come back. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

White Christmas in Leetonia

We got a white Christmas and a cold one. Temperatures last night made it down to 0 and didn't make it above the 20 degree mark today. A big change from the snow melting 55 degrees we had two days ago. We got about an inch of light fluffy snow yesterday and overnight. The snow had completely disappeared except in areas of complete shade or piles from plowing. It doesn't look like there will be much more snow during the next few days and temperatures should warm up ten or fifteen degrees. There isn't enough snow for snowmobiling and four-wheel drive vehicles should be fine on the roads. As usual use caution as there could be some ice hiding under the snow in spots. 

It has been a quiet day in the mountains and Galeton was like a ghost town. I had to run in for some back up gasoline after Lee gave ours to some snowmobilers last week. We received a nice note from them thanking us for the map and gas and more than reimbursement for it. Be prepared if you go into the woods this time of year. Have a back up plan for your back up plan. We are the only ones living for at least 7 miles up here and that is a long way to walk if you need more gas or help. 

Hope everyone had a great Christmas. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

Road Conditions variable and changing

Leetonia Rd going out of Leetonia South

Icy Area

The road is about half mud half packed snow and ice. I actually saw 4 snowmobilers on Leetonia Road, Saturday. I think they were doing a lot of damage to their sleds running on these road conditions. We are supposed to get 1-3 inches of snow tomorrow, whoppi! The only good news is it will start melting toward the end of next week as we are heading into a warm up. You have to be prepared for just about all kinds of road conditions right now. Hopefully, by the end of next week I will have better news on the roads. The weather was nice and sunny today, which always makes me feel a lot better. There is something about the sun that takes away the sting of more bad weather to come. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.

Where did Spring Go?

The sun is up this morning but the temperature is 9 degrees, not a very good showing for the second day of Spring. We haven't been able to break the cycle of repeated small amounts of snow each week so many of the roads on North sides of mountain and in higher elevation are still covered in snow and ice. We got about three inches two days ago followed by freezing rain giving the snow a crunchy top. During times the temperatures or sun get the road above freezing it quickly turns to slippery mud gathering on your tires and wheel wells thickly then freezing at night so that moving your tires can be a challenge the next day.
At this point everyone is ready for some real Spring that lasts. The contrast between this year and last where we hardly had a winter is making this one seem very long indeed.
At least today the sun is out giving us hope that it will warm up quickly and take the single digit temperature away. I haven't been down the road towards the Cedar Run direction in a while so I am not sure how bad it is. I am hoping to make a trip down that way in the next week if things improve. Trout season is just around the corner so whoever is in charge of Spring needs to start waking up. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.