In Which The Air Is Just So

Dry Creek, March 9, 2018. A bit of ice on the creek as the sun starts to rise on a chilly March morning. My phone said it was 18 degrees.

March: In between winter and spring, and right now winter rules the mornings.

The ice melted a while ago on the C Avenue pond that I ride by each morning on my commute—but it was 18 today, with little wind. In the cold, still air, a thin layer of ice had again formed, and the pond was mostly frozen over, except for one small open patch where a rather chilly looking duck slowly moved.

Pond on C Avenue--not sure you can see it well, but a thin layer of ice has formed on this cold morning.

Tiny bit of open water with a cold looking duck.

I rode Clarence this morning, for the second time this week. On Wednesday I had ridden the mountain bike, but Thursday and today it was clear enough for the hybrid.

I was gambling that the pavement would be clear, and for the most part I won. I should have gone directly to campus, but was drawn by the cool but pretty morning to take the trail. I encountered some snow in Noelridge Park, but otherwise the way was clear.

Two views from Noelridge Park. A bit of snow on the bridge at the east end. Nearer the west end, where the community flowers gardens are, two geese stroll during the cold morning.

And the morning ride was cold. My toes were suffering a bit by the time I got to campus.

Bridge work along the trail. I thought the crane looked pretty in the morning.

View of artwork in garden behind Warde Hall, near where my bike was parked this morning.

The afternoon was also cool, but probably 30 degrees, which is better than 18. The ride home was still chilly, however. But, the March sun had warmed the city enough that the pond which was frozen in the morning had thawed again by 5:15 p.m.

C Avenue pond again, in the afternoon, almost the same spot. Water after sun was shining on the ice all day.

March—it’s not very much like spring yet, but you can tell it’s coming. Meanwhile, the air is just at that point where it will freeze ponds in the morning, and melt the ice by afternoon. This weekend, we have the spring time change—may it be a sign that the weather will soon make the turn from the frozen season to the time of new growth and more pleasant bike rides.