Changing Seasons in Vermont

This past weekend, I visited northern Vermont and experienced many signs of winter still hanging on, but other indications that Spring is on its way. Jed's Maple Products in Derby was my first stop.  Named after their first born son, this truly is a family-run business. Although it was very cold and windy, the sap was flowing and overall it has been a good season for maple syrup in the Northeast Kingdom.

The size of this tank gives an idea to the amount of sap processed by Jed's Maple Products. Several thousand taps feed the the reverse osmosis system inside which is fueled by used vegetable oil. The steam from the evaporator made it difficult to see the actual syrup inside.

On the property is also, the recently opened Wheeler Maple Museum which houses artifacts from three generations of maple sugaring.

In addition to syrup, there are a variety of sauces, mustards, and spices all made on-site.  Their products can be ordered on-line and are shipped across the globe. Check out their website jedsmaple.com to read their story and discover the family fun activities that are offered year-round. 

After picking up some maple butter, cheese and a shaker of maple sugar and hot pepper, it was on to downtown Newport. The boardwalk along the water is a popular spot for a walk, bike ride, or to just sit and take in the view. Due to the cold and the wind, only a few people were down by the water. With my hat, gloves and camera in hand I was glad that I stopped as I saw what I believe to be a couple mink swimming in and out of the water.

Although Lake Memphremagog has not experienced ice-out, the shoreline downtown was mostly open

One of the mink making its way to the dock

On Sunday, the sun was out, the wind had died down and the temperatures were much warmer. This didn't stop numerous ice fishermen from enjoying, what may have been, there last time on the ice. 

Jay Peak will be open for at least a couple more weeks

It was a long winter and there were plenty of signs of how the beaver and deer survived the winter.  Below, on the left is one of the many trees that had recent beaver damage around the lake. The  arborvitaes around a man made pond show that the deer stopped by for more than just a drink.

So there were many signs of winter, but I was looking for signs of spring, like this Great Blue Heron

and these Wood Ducks.

Or this pussy willow which I overlooked the first time I walked by.

By the end of the day, I had also seen a river otter rolling around on the ice, a broad winged hawk soaring overhead and a meadowlark flushed from a field. As I write this, I hear the peepers outside and can know that it is indeed time to say goodbye to winter.