Ashes of Spring

That fifth season of the far north--Break-up--is never an attractive time. For several weeks between the time that the last snow has melted and the first rush of spring's green appears, the bare bones of last autumn re-appear. Our landscape is duns and grays and dried, dead things.

Still, today was a gorgeous day. I put BeBe out in his enclosure to enjoy the sunlight and fresh air.



Soon, his stark surroundings will be bright with new growth, but right now it looks rather bleak.



This year's thaw is made even more dull by the ubiquitous volcanic ash. It coats the vegetation and puffs into the air with every step, light as talc.