Yesterday I rode with an eagle. Today Aki and I morn the death of winter. Yesterday, with the sun shining and a strong wind blowing down channel I approach the Douglas Bridge on my bicycle. A mature bald eagle rose on the currents to my eye level and floated along with me for a few meters before taking station over the bike path at the bridge’s apex. It just hung there as if suspended by strong string before moving a few feet away from the bridge where the air current dropped it straight down toward Gasteneau Channel. It didn’t move its wings until necessary to pull out of its free fall. With that sunny memory in mind I join Aki today at winter’s wake in the rain.

The heavy snow load on this meadow just a week ago promised at least one more ski in the spring sun. It lied then died leaving most of the meadow bare. We could have pieced together enough skiable ground for a fair outing if firm ice still covered the watercourses. They run free.

It was a good winter, blessing us with much useable snow without sending too many days of punishing Taku winds. Rather than cling to an unhappy life under clouds and rain this winter enjoyed a quick but happy death during a week of warm and sunny weather. Now spring has a chance to raise up flowers and arctic cotton from this meadow and feed the robins building nests in the bordering trees.