Spring Arrives Early

Most years, few who live in Ottawa pay much attention to the official arrival of spring. The city is almost always still snuggly wrapped in a blanket of snow, and the forests are still the realm of the cross-country skier and snowshower.

Not so in 2010. This has been the second warmest winter on record, and even though 2/3 of the normal average amount of snow has fallen, there has been little since January. That, coupled with record warm temperatures, and we find ourselves with a situation more common in mid or late-April. There is no snow at all in the city, and most of the trails have shed their seasonal cover.

Hikers will be tempted to get out, but they should remember that the paths will be wet and soft. Wear study, waterproof boots, and carry replacement socks and footwear for the drive home.

With luck, this great weather is merely the introduction to a superior year of great hiking weather. See you on the trails.