Between Two Seasons

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times..." It's been too long since I immersed myself in Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities to remember exactly what stage he was setting with this memorable opening line. But, it seems like these two phrases could be a fitting description for recent times here in Minneapolis.

We, Minneapolitans, currently find ourselves moving towards the end of December—and Christmas—with virtually zero snow accumulation on the ground. Yikes! For perspective, more than 34" had already fallen by December 19th last year. There have been a couple of moderate dustings in past weeks (~8" total), but steady sunshine and a +40F day here and there have combined to wipe out the color white from this Midwestern metropolis. What kind of impact does this have on society, you ask?

For runners, times couldn't be better. Sure, the ground is still frozen, hard as a rock. And, sure, the wind chill remains more than a factor. But the trails remain open and runnable late into December!

But for cross country skiers, tubers, ice skaters, and dedicated broomballers, times couldn't be worse. No snow + mild temps = no sport.

Both of these realities came together visibly on my run today. Three Rivers/Hyland Park Reserve, an unpredictable labyrinth of hilly trails, is a place that gladly accommodates both slices of society—depending on the season, of course.

From the trail...

The signs have been switched over for skiing, but something's missing...

Any shade of green is atractive in December.

There were a few icy spots in the shade, but enough dirt to dance around them.

A leaf on the ice.

Birches watching for snow.

The colors change fast with the setting sun.