Winter Can Stop the Pranks
Could it be that winter didn’t get the memo that it’s time has come and gone? The answer is, apparently not.
Even as Mainers flipped their calendars from the month of March to April, the movement further into spring did little to prevent the all but vanquished touch of winter from reaching back one more time.
On April 1, 2011, a feisty storm, packing a northeast swing, hammered the Maine coast with heavy wet snow and gusty winds. A blanket of snow accumulated rapidly in the early morning hours, and before long, tree limbs and branches were laden with a ponderous burden and the landscape was transformed from brown hues to white.
Given the penchant for pranks and tricks to occur on April Fools’ Day, many were hoping this storm would end up being be more of a joke, but alas, Jack Frost was the one who had the last laugh as Maine’s coastal regions were buried under snowfall amounts ranging from six to twelve inches.
Since the timing of the storm along the Midcoast was to peak before noon, I decided to venture out shortly after dawn to avoid most of the challenges of driving around on slippery roads. My destination of choice was the Owls Head area because it did not require me to make a long drive and it happens to also be on my way to work.
Arriving at Owls Head Harbor, I found the memory of winter past ushered to the forefront of my thoughts as quickly as the storm’s gale force winds were driving snow straight across my line of vision.
Normally I would have been ecstatic over such wintertime forays gripping the coast, but today’s ‘snow globe’ effect, as it enveloped the pines, wharves and lobster boats, seemed incapable of inspiring the same wonderment.
For it is now time for spring to pour out its vibrant promise of renewal and set the landscape into full blossom. The idea of snow still loafing about has no place in this alluring hope.
Thankfully, with temperatures forecasted to reach the mid-40s over the next few days, the snowpack’s stay will be a short one.
As I shoveled my driveway, for what I hope is the last time this season, I was abruptly stopped by the sound of birds chirping away in the trees. This is a serenade one would not hear during the frozen depths of winter. I was thrilled!
Even the birds seemed to be content to ride out this last desperate act of winter – for as the calendar can vouch for – spring is indeed here to stay!
Just in case, I think I’ll resist the idea of putting the shovels away for now. 🙂
One last round of beautiful winter pictures! Thanks, Bob, for be ‘adventurous’ as to bing us these great photos.
Al Smith
I love the blue lighthouse sign. And doesn’t it highlight the size of the flakes! ‘Tis curious how our senses react when an out-going season wants to push its luck and barge into the incoming one. Indian summer works, but when spring fever hits, and it snows, pretty as it is, it’s not pretty.
Thanks for the great pictures.
Wonderful pictures. Makes me want to visit Maine again. Good times. Thanks
Like the one inside Owl’s Head lantern room.
Looks like winter is going out like a Lion! What a contrast 80’s here in Naples, Fl & 2000 miles away an April Fool’s Snow Storm. The beauty of the snow does add a dimension of peacefulness to the Owls Head Lighthouse.
Thanks to Bob & Ann for going out in the weather and sharing these pics.
I agree with Erick love the latern room pictue; but as usual all are beautiful
It again shows us that ‘mother nature’ can surprise us in any season.
Winter again, but it won’t last long. Great photos as usual. Ernie D.
Bob,
Your inside photo of the Owl’s Head lantern is exquisite — made the snow day all worth while.
Anita C.
I especially like the one of Owls Head Light framed with the two trees. All of your pictures are great but that one really cuaght my eye. The storm gives the colors that muted cold look that only a snow storm can provide but in the middle and framed so well, is the yellow warm glow of the steady burning light. Great Great picture and thank you for sharing.
Bob,
Thanks for the great shots. They are gorgeous!
Wonderful views of a great place. Thank you.
The pictures are fantastic and the article was enjoyable to read. As always, what a great job!
I too fell in love with the picture of Owls Head light framed between the trees. It really grabs you or at least it does me. You and your wife do such beautiful work.