Signs of Spring/Summer
 

Have been reading about ice-out and weather watches but haven't seen a thread specifically about what signals to you that spring or summer is coming. My sign is when I notice that Jojo's Store on the Moultonborough Neck Road is going to open soon - speicifcally this year on April 15th. Went by there on the way to town this morning and the lights were on, and a message was on their marquee out front. I gave a cheer and felt uplifted! What's your special signal?

The smell of the earth!
 

Only the gardeners among us will understand this, but my special sign comes on that morning when you open the door and outside all you can smell is the earth. Wet, fragrant earth just waiting to be turned and planted. It's usually the same day I notice that some of my bulbs are beginning to poke up little green points. I'm happy to report that day was late last week, so spring is officially here for me!
:D

Nice Avitar...Pepper want a cracker??????

Black Flies!
 

My son and I started the winter debris cleanup tonight. We still have snow in several areas of the yard here in central MA...yet the black flies are starting to come out. Got my first bite. :(

For my wife and I..."And what time would you like to tee off????"


Ah yes, chase that elusive white ball over the hills and dales, trying to put it into 18 holes that seem to be the size of a thimble. Can't wait!

sure sign of spring
 

Taking the cover off the boat! That is happening this weekend...YEAH!!:):)

pmj

Loons
 

Saw that sign on Jojo's also. I also noticed 2 loons hanging out in front of Trexlers Marina all day yesterday. Thought it was early for loons and figured they were ducks but after watching them for some time there was no doubt they were young loons.

The smell of mulch (I know, sounds kind of weird) :)

Spring's black flies only bother me while I'm in clearings -- or on the water. (Lots of forest still here -- and only distant exposed brooks, where they are supposed to breed).

There's been a flurry of ducks my way this past week.

Scoters, goldeneye, and common mergansers (Merganser male: black head, white body, smaller than a loon. Merganser female: Rust-colored head with a "cowlick" crest).

The scoters were diving under the ice and, after fishing awhile, napped: One on the water, one on the ice.

I get cold feet just watching! How do they do it?

(Update -- just 15 minutes later) :look:

Our usual Phoebe just arrived at the porch railing, no doubt the male looking for a place to build his usual nest site. (It's too much work to discourage him -- I've tried).

Next, he'll be battling with a robin who likes to build at the same location. (Robins will destroy the phoebe's nest. So for the underdog, I will chase away the robin).

In a few days, we'll hear the repeated buzzy song fee-bee? fee-bee! as he sings to attract a female (who likes the nest site -- and him).

Since Phoebes eat bugs, it's a sure sign of spring's arrival.

These days the best sign is when the boat is moved to the driveway for clean up. Not much longer now! :D

More bugs!
 

In addition to the black flies last night, I pulled a tick off this morning! Guess they are all very hungry after the long winter.

When the hummingbirds show up :D

Anchor Marine Cam
 

Another sure sign of spring will be when we see activity at the gas dock on the Anchor Marine Cam. Seeing the door open on the little office is another sure sign of the lake coming to life so keep an eye open.

Remember last year when Sea Tow's boat sank at the dock in early May?

From the last of the season Gunstock Newsletter
 

another sure sign of Spring......

"Hello Mcdude ,

SAD, SAD DAY!
As of 4 PM April 3, 2005 Gunstock is closed for the winter season. As sad as the end of another great season of skiing and riding is, you learned in the last newsletter just how much fun we have in the summer season."

In Florida, the first sign of Spring is the appearance of the newspaper supplement giving hurricane preparation instructions ( the season starts June 1 ). With a little luck, I will have already been at the Lake for a month. :)

Spring...
 

Dusting off the wetsuit. Overhauling the regulator. Adding some silicon grease to the O-rings on the BC. Waiting for the water temperature to go above 40. Watching the ice-out sites for signs of open water.

AND...wondering just exactly WHAT those elusive Lakers like to bite!!!

Here in Billerica the lakes are open, our daffodils are in bloom (on the sourth side of our house only), I saw one of the resident swans this past weekend in the little pond where Rte. 3 meets Rte. 495 , and this morning I heard the first Spring Peepers.

Now all I need are the two magic words - ice out! :)

Silver Duck

Taking all the shrinkwrap off the boats!
 

The Mount, Sophie and Doris all got uncovered tuesday!!!

Nobody mentioned opening day of baseball season. That is the sure sign for me. Patriots day and the marathon comes next, and then the first trip of the season on the boat. Have a new first mate this year. He is only 8 months old, but loves the water already.

The sound of the birds when leaving for work in the morning is a sure sign for me!

island time great to here we have another new Winni jealot with your new son

Spring ahead...
 

Setting the clocks ahead is a sure fired reminder of the season of the year and what naturally follows... :D