Earlier this week we had one of those surprising late-winter days that feels more like April than March. The temperature climbed to 73°F, which made it a perfect excuse to take a walk at Hollyhock Hollow Sanctuary.
There were still large piles of snow scattered through the woods, and most of the trails were far too muddy to walk. So instead, I followed the main road that winds through the sanctuary. Even with the snow lingering in places, the woods had that subtle feeling that winter is beginning to loosen its grip.
One of the things I hoped to see was whether the Snowdrops had started to appear. These small white flowers are often among the very first signs that spring is on the way.
Sure enough, tucked among the leaves and patches of melting snow, there they were.
Seeing the first Snowdrops each year always lifts my spirits a bit. They seem to carry a quiet message: winter isn’t over yet, but change has already begun.
The warm temperatures had another effect as well. With the snow melting quickly, Onesquethaw Creek had turned into a bubbling, tumbling torrent. The water rushed over rocks and around fallen logs as it made its way toward the Hudson River.
Standing there watching the creek, it felt almost like the landscape itself was waking up.
The spring-like weather only lasted a couple of days. Winter has already pushed back, and the forecast is calling for cooler temperatures and even a chance of light snow.
But after seeing those Snowdrops and hearing the creek roaring with snowmelt, one thing is certain.
Spring is just around the corner.