Canyon Park Cabin

Beautiful in any season, the canyon is most peaceful and yet very alive at this time of the year. A thick blanket of snow softens some features and accents others.

The bubbling springs remind us to give thanks for the blessings provided by the waters. Water is really what it’s all about this time of the year. It starts to whittle away the ice and snow, even as more piles up. You know it won’t last long now. Good waterproof boots are your best friend now, essential for ice, snow and mud . . . lots of mud, glorious mud. With the deep snow this year, there will be waterfalls everywhere in the canyon. When we have spring rains, there are BIG waterfalls in the canyon and the sound is spectacular!

The woodchuck pops up now and then, to check for sunshine and green shoots. The evergreens shake off the cold and snow and stretch each needle towards the sky and new light. The ferns and mosses take advantage of the moisture and cool temps to show off their first greens. Down in the canyon, near the creek, the skunk cabbage blossom will be the first “wildflower” to be seen, the dark purple & green spathe gets warm from the sun and melts the snow around it!

Fallen leaves encased in icy displays melt interesting designs with the sun’s help, too.

It’s a good time to be on the watch for an eagle from the Wisconsin River Valley to the north. The vultures soar on the updrafts over the canyon. The turkeys are sometimes seen in the front yard of the cabin or wandering up the driveway to the fields.

The woodpeckers, jays, cardinals, chickadees and many other birds are your friendly companions out in the woods this time of the year. It’s always interesting to see what trees the pileated woodpeckers have whittled away over the winter.

The real sport this time of the year is observing small things and celebrating the turn of the seasons. It’s a good chance to rest and reaffirm our dreams and priorities before the busy months ahead.

Lynn 02-07-08