By Bob Ede

Changed my route a little. The roads are soft with thaw and runoff, so I kept to the valley bottom and walked the tracks. Had my ear cocked for returning birds, but the wind filled my head with its own song. It was blowing from the south, carving the last of the snow, turning its attention to the lake.

The ice is off the salmon beds. The dogs ran ahead, the smell of spring and winters decay on their tongues. I envied their joy.  Swans are returning north. I was surprised to see a few winter over. These were the first of the spring Tundra Swans. The dogs and I pose little threat but they kept us in mind, moving opposite.

A Golden Eagle circled above looking us over. The dogs do not worry predators from above, so they missed this encounter. I used to worry about my little dog Lily when an eagle circled. She would have been easy pickings for such a stealthy hunter.

We have had a mild winter, though it seems to be hanging on. I kept an eye out for pussy willows. Was rewarded near the mouth of Toby when I spied a few at the tops of a lash and spindle break. They were just through the husks.

It’s official then – spring has sprung!

Bob Ede is a Columbia Valley-based photographer and writer, and explorer of the backroads and byways.

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