First Signs Of Spring At 61 Degrees North Latitude - Bad For Miami On April 20

Wandering through the camp today I saw bear footprints all over the snow near the garbage bins - from the size of the footprints, probably one adult grizzly and at least two cubs. This is a sure sign that spring is imminent in the north. Those buggers don't come out of hibernation in their winter dens until their bodies give them signs that food will be available. Lots of stupid young fawns are wandering around now - perfect grizzly snacks. Earlier this week I saw a high flying V-shaped formation of snow geese heading north. They, also, are a harbinger of spring in the far north. Temperature tonight is currently -20C but with over 14 hours of direct bright sunshine each day now, daytime temperatures are comfortably above 0C for most of the day.

Sadly, I don't think I will be able to get away to the tuscl Miami gathering at Tootsie's on April 20; work is just too frantic at spring break-up time in a northern exploration camp . I will hold my flight reservations until the last minute because I am very 'keen' on a trip to Tootsie's.