Spring Comes Slowly!

Slowly the snow is starting to recede, first the edges of the fields show through and then gradually I can see the areas of brown grow. Hopefully this slow melting trend continues with all of the snow here and further north the last thing we need is a rapid melt, the resulting flooding would be a big problem. The days are moderating and a sunny day is a real treat. The cold has really lost its bite even though many mornings are still below freezing. It is now light well after supper in the evenings and the wood stove is not going every minute of every day rather it works in the evenings after the sun disappears and again in the mornings. The air has changed and the smoke from the woodstove comes right back down to the ground instead of rising quickly into the cold air.The big news yesterday afternoon though was that I noticed the daffodils along the stonewall in front of the house have come up and a few of them have already started to bud. A few more warm days and the flowers will be in full bloom. It won't be long now until the alewives and herring are running in the Saint George and the stripers will not be far behind them. I can't wait.Last week on our morning walk, we saw the first woodcock of the spring and today I watched one of the males do his spiral flight on the edge of the field across the street from the house. So those little fellows are confident that spring is coming as well. The field has also been covered with robins and you could hear them singing this morning. Last week I led a family from Wales on a snowshoe trip through our woodlot on a pleasant sunny afternoon, there are still a couple of feet of snow in the woods even though parts of the fields are clear. I also took them to visit one of the local maple sugar houses where we saw the sap being boiled. We stopped at a sugarbush on the way home where they had a chance to see the sap collecting operation. A nice trip on a delightful afternoon and I am sure a once in a lifetime experience for that family. Show SeasonSpring in Maine is marked by a number of outdoors shows and exhibits. I attend several of them and it is always great fun to visit with old friends from around the state and in different aspects of my business. One Saturday I attended the LL Bean fishing expo at the new hunting and fishing store in Freeport. They had a good turnout with lots of interesting seminars. I spent a half an hour watching someone else teach flyfishing which I found extremely helpful. One of my new trips last summer was a learn to fly fish trip. That trip is now one of Maine Outdoors Nature Exploration offerings. There is nothing like watching a different approach to teaching . Did I learn anything new yes, was it a big revelation? No. But a great way to improve my method and I had a chance to visit with many folks I have not seen all winter to boot. CT Speaking EngagementI will be speaking to the CT RI Coastal Flyfishers on the evening of April 24 In Groton, CT. I am planning to speak about some current new research on Maine's native stripers and some on our native brook trout. If you are in the area it would be great to see you in the crowd. Also if you have a group that would be interested in hearing from an old guide please give me a call or drop me an e-mail and let's arrange a date when I can speak to your group. Booking now for the coming season! Reservations continue to come in for spring and summer. If you are planning to be in the area please give me a call or reply to this e-mail so we can plan a date to spend some time outdoors together.