Has Spring arrived?

Three days ago, when out walking, we heard a woodpecker. Then again the next day, back at the apartment, it was the same fast drilling and unmistakable sound of a woodpecker.

This morning, two sparrows were chasing each other, looking very lively. I have no idea what they were doing.

The snow in Laax (at 3,500 feet) has melted. The meadows, at this time of year normally serving as a toboggan run, are looking bare, as is the ski run down to Falera (at 4,250 feet) – (see photos). The first butterfly in Switzerland has been spotted (so I am told). All this caused by unseasonally warm 10° weather (50° in old money).

The Swiss snow has, in the meantime, moved to the British Isles. I hear that Scotland has more snow than the rest of Europe. Perhaps Scotland will export it. Scottish ski resorts are enjoying a boom and British motorists are learning the benefits of snow chains and winter tyres.

Perhaps spring is coming early to Switzerland. I am getting my swimming trunks out ready to swim in the lake, and my shorts and T-Shorts are standing ready for some serious hiking.

But then, perhaps not. The grass has not yet started to turn green and the ducks have not returned to the Laax lake. The weather could still make fools of us all. A cold snap, 3 feet of snow overnight and the usual chaos will ensue. Yes, three feet of snow overnight will be noticed even here.

I enjoy spring. So getting more value for my money out of ski pass or seeing the spring flowers and feeding the ducks, I win either way.

(Where do the Laax ducks go for the winter?)

Where Have the Ducks Gone?

This afternoon, it was minus 5 degrees outside, and the sun was shining over the lake at Laax. 3 o’clock in the afternoon. There was some left over bread from lunch, so off we went, to walk around the lake and feed the ducks.

Walking over the lake would be more accurate. The ice on the lake is a foot thick. The local Gemeinde (Council) has built an extra ice hockey practice pitch and an ice skating track around the outside.

There is a small ski slope for 2 – 4 year olds. You need to pay attention here or a 3year old on a toboggan may take your legs away, as he attempts to reach the bottom of the slope in one go.

But where are the ducks? Ice on the lake means “No Water”, which means “No Ducks”. What foolish people we are. Even so, where are they? Are they hiding? Have they flown south for the skiing season?

Back to the apartment later with a cup of tea and a jam sandwich with the bread not given to the ducks.