We have had two big rainstorms this week that have made considerable progress on melting away the snow. Temperatures are warmer to be sure but who feels warm when it is blowing a gale, raining steadily and foggy? The good news is that as the snow and ice gradually retreat we are closer every day to launching the Lund and learning what this springs fishing will be like.
Walking in the snow the other day I was treated to seeing a couple of big birds very close. The first was a large tom turkey hiding in the brush at the edge of the road. As I walked to within fifteen feet or so he took to the air with a great flapping of wings. Needless to say a bird that large taking to the air from the ground so close is both impressive and startling!
My winter exploration trip was great fun and as we returned to the Yukon the conversation turned to how much the clients 
liked being on the “old fashioned” snowshoes. That got me to thinking about how long things that work well can last. I do use wood framed snowshoes; most are laced with leather. The snowshoes that the kids were on that afternoon are around thirty five years old!
