Wednesday, April 02, 2008

Port Credit Lake Ontario Spring Update

Like much of Canada, we here in Port Credit (Mississauga, Ontario) have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of Spring. And, on April 1, we were sure it had finally come! As the temperature climbed to 10C (50F) and was set to go even higher, I set off for a walk under clear blue skies and a benevolent sun. It was pretty windy, though, and the tall evergreens were sighing loudly and bending to their task. I checked the weather channel: gusts to 60 kph (37 mph), from the northwest. Current time: 2 p.m.
The sun felt lovely and warm, and the strong wind promised to whip Lake Ontario into a lather. I could hardly wait! I love to watch wild waves. The only problem was, the wind (NW) was blowing from the land onto the lake, so there was not a lot of whipping room. Still, it was nice to see the lake ice-free. No hint of green grass, nor any leaves at all, yet. Only last Fall's dead leaves becoming mulch.
I took this picture at the end of the path leading from the south end of Godfrey's Lane, a rural road in the heart of Mississauga. This is part of the Waterfront Trail, adjoining Rhododendron Gardens to the east.

A pair of Canada geese were sunning themselves, and sipping rain water that had pooled in the rock crevices. Usually, geese in this area don't pay attention to people. This pair had been sitting, and when they noticed me coming too close, they stood -- but not the usual way as geese do when they want a handout. This pair seemed skittish, like they would take flight if I came any closer. Wonder if they are ready to nest?

And in the fifteen minutes it took me to walk from here along the Trail to Saddrington Park, the wind had blown heavy dark clouds over the entire sky. The temperature started to drop, and I pulled out my wool scarf. It felt like it could start snowing at any minute. What cruel April First jokes the Ontario climate can play!