It's just around the corner. Every day brings a new, yet subtle, sign that the spring is only a few weeks away. The sun seems closer and feels warmer and the skies are far more blue than gray. Several days ago we had a dozen robins in the backyard crab apple trees eating up the last of the dried crab apples from last fall. Before I could see them I heard their "sweet song". When the backyard is still clothed in winter palette the orange breasted robins really stand out. It's no wonder they are universally known as one of the first harbingers of spring. Another sign that winter is on the wane is the sap flowing in the sugar maples. I spoke to our friend, David, who makes enough maple syrup for one year for his family tapping eight maple trees here on his property in Hawley. Today he gathered fifteen gallons of sap and boiled it down to a quart of syrup. He'll be doing this for the next month. If any of our guests are interested in seeing his small operation this Saturday, he'll give a tour and explain the process.
This is a wonderful time of year to go skiing. You can wear lighter gear and feel really rejuvenated being outdoors for longer periods of time, and perhaps you will unexpectedly find Mr. Robin while you're bobbing along the slopes....We have a great last minute special for staying at the inn this weekend with discount tickets to Ski Big Bear Grab the moment, get away, transition blissfully into spring.
