Leeks

Leeks are starting to appear in sun exposed and well drained areas.

Windy

Strong winds all day. Several trees down on road but no trees seen on cottages.

Trilliums are almost ready to blossom. Most frost out of the ground.

Spring chronology: racoons, chipmunks, mice, ants, trilliums, leeks, blackflies, dragonflies, mosquitoes.

Double yuk

More frost coming out of the ground after the warm weekend. The incline in the 'enchanted forest' is difficult even for an ATV.

Parts of the 'flats' near maple hill, east of the hill have deep ruts, some of them filling with 'quicksand'. With 3 days of rain projected, the animals may start lining up in twos.

A soft area

The incline from the causeway onto the island is a bit soft. The area is still draining and hidden from direct sunlight. Strong winds last night knocked down a number of trees. Hydro lines on the island look fine.

Red trilliums were out April 19 last year. Nothing so far.

Blackflies

On April 20, 2010, the first blackflies joined our association. This year they need snowshoes to walk through 1 1/2" of snow.

Frost leaving

The frost is continuing to come out of the ground, allowing better drainage on the road. The "flats" between the north end of new road and maple hill has a few soft areas.

Culvert

For some reason the enlarged photo was cut when published. Trying again.

Culvert out

The culvert dividing Cardiff and Dysart municipalities was washed out in the early morning. By 1:30 pm the Highlands East workers had corrected the problem. They do great work.

The frost is coming out of the ground and Africa Trail from Clarke Rd is becoming more of a problem and getting stuck is a distinct possibility as tires can sink farther into the ground.

Most local producers of maple syrup have pulled their spigots.

Lake is open

What a day makes when wind is added. Sarah Palin can't see Elephant Lake Lodge from her house, but our association can.

Lake

Edge melting.

Road update

A culvert just before the beaver pond, south of the new road, has caved. An axel breaker.

The road south of the new road has always been a great mud hole. So far it has been pleasant.

The 'flats' between the north end of the new road and maple hill have some interesting pot holes developing.

Who needs mud?

The new road that was ditched and raised two falls ago is in great shape. No signs of difficulty.

The beginning of the 'Enchanted Forest' from the southern start of Africa trail to Guest Rd has some difficulties! Mud!

Lake is still delayed getting some open water.

Flow of maple sap is so strong that the tops of the trees are "popping" under the pressure, frightening night creatures.

Long winter

Last year, April 4, 2010, the lake was completely free of ice. This year, April 4, 2011, there has not been any melting, even along the sides of the lake. First geese heard April 2. Maple sap still flowing stongly. Racoons have come out of their winter stupor and are looking for locations for food.

Drainage time

The water from the melting snow has a tendency to gather on the road. The short distance from the mill parking area to the top of the mill hill has some serious ruts. Travel is not too bad in the early morning when the mud is frozen, but later in the day the area may be a challenge. Sink holes are starting to appear.