Know what happens in three days?
Make like a tree and leave, winter!
Spring arrives!
Last weekend we got daylight savings. This Sunday we get the vernal equinox. We did it, kids—we made it through winter! Most everyone welcomes the arrival of spring and warmer temperatures, but for us car-free folk, the change of the seasons is a particular relief.
For us, it means:
- less bundling and unbundling,
- less shivering at the bus stop,
- less missing our bicycles to pieces,
- and less begging friends for rides.
And it means more feelings of independence and competence in our car-freeness.
What’s more, today in northwest Indiana (yes, I’m back in the U.S.A.!), we’re having a sneak-peek of what’s to come, as the sun is out and temperatures are in the 60s. I carpe diem-ed and went on a bike ride. I didn’t have to snuggle my nose into my collar, the air didn’t sting my throat, and my toes didn’t ache after four miles.
In fact, the only indication that it was mid-March and not late-April were the sheets of ice still clinging to the top-most waters of Pine Lake, thinning all the while in the post-winter sun and breaking into smaller and smaller sheets.
The sight made me think of some lyrics that I love for their hopeful message of cleansing and fresh starts:
Clear as ice, oh clear as ice,
Dripping down from a rock.
Spring will come, and so will fall.
All my enemies have finally fled, they’ve finally fled and gone.
– “Wind is Blowing Stars” by Laura Veirs
Our wintry enemy is on the run, and we, car-free friends, have cause for celebration. How will you celebrate spring this weekend?
Car-freely,
Amy
No Car Go 
Hey, I know that song.
B*day weekend. Friday-Breitenbush Hotspings, Sat- Camping, Hiking, Sun- Karoake.
Glad you get to ride your bike again. I’m going to be on light duty for a few days in a couple weeks. The first concern was that i wouldn’t be able to be on my bike for a week, but a whole season..? Eesh. Truly admirable.
Spring even visited the Bergische land for a couple hours!!! Unfortunately you were already long gone when the rain finally stopped and the sun poked through. We were up to 17° C yesterday, maybe you can ask Hajo what that is in Fahrenheit!
You should have seen all the bikers on the paths along the Wupper. All decked out in their bright racing suits and shiny helmets. Most bikers in this area seem to be out for sport, I rarely see commuters on bike. I guess the unrelenting hills are best tackled in workout wear and not business clothes.
Glad you and your baby have been reunited and are back in action!
Yeah, I suppose I owe you a little cred, Pawl, for the initial Laura Veirs introduction. Hope you have a happy and springy birthday weekend!
Wendy, I hope the Fruehlings weather is helping you to rid yourself of snot and sore throat once and for all.