SNOW, SLEET AND RAIN MAYHEM!
After that Valentine interlude, here is another Daily Bird to give you an idea of the conditions up here in Maine at the present time. On February 14th, we had a Nor'easter that left us with about 8 inches of snow with a frozen crust. It was well nigh impossible to shovel. We had to use a metal edger to cut chunks and get to the bottom of the snow cover. Walking on that crust was hazardous; so though beautiful, once the sun came out, it's been tough getting around.

I did take a quick peek at Head Beach which wasn't bad for walking once you got over the iced over dunes. The wind was wicked again, so I didn't last too long. The drive over behind the dunes was pure ice. I don't know how I got over and back. How about a picnic on this table? You may notice that there are no hikers on the beach. Most were still recovering from all the shoveling, that is if they were able to get out!

Before Valentine's Day got in the way of things, I had planned on sharing more ice fishing stories. They had an Ice Fishing Derby last weekend, and how could I miss that? This was before the heavy snow, but Center Pond was alive with fisherpeople on some very slippery and rough ice. I could understand why people used cars, trucks and ATV's to get around. It was a family affair with kids helping their mom's and dad's in checking the traps. Some groups had set up grills on the ice and were enjoying hamburgers and other choice items.

Fish were caught, and I understand prizes are given for the largest as well as the smallest. Pickerel seemed to be the fish most frequently caught, but I also saw some choice Brook Trout and Yellow Perch. Funny thing is, now that the Derby is over, I don't see anyone fishing. Some left their shacks out on the ice, so if it gets warmer they may be out again for more fun. In this part of Maine, ice fishing is a fun pastime.

I haven't been down to the lobster pound, and I doubt if the diver has been back considering the weather. Incidentally, I didn't add all the red things that could be found this time of year, even with snow cover. The tall fruits of Staghorn Sumac stand like red candles, inviting birds to dine. I would have loved to find the red fruit of Wintergreen - I would have eaten them on the spot. The berries of Partridgeberry might also have satisfied a search for red. As for heart shaped things, I like to look for the seeds of Common Speedwell that are that shape. Sometimes, we have found heart-shaped Violet Leaves in wet, protected places this time of year. Did you go out on a Valentine hike? Let me know what you found!
2/18/07 Februaryized Ronnie