The first snowstorm of the year hit just a bit outside of Ithaca. We'd been so dry, getting a couple inches of rain was almost as good as 17'' of snow. Andy's heart held up shoveling the weighty stuff.
It was just a short walk up the hill to find some snow, though it was so wet, it was more like white rain.
It took me just a little too long to get out there to ski. Most of it had melted, but where there was still snow on the ground, the conditions were quite good.
Surprisingly, enough snow fell out in the hills again the following week and Gail and I both got to enjoy some skiing when the conditions were much better. On top of that, Andy and I made it all the way to the Summerland Farm Preserve and back before it warmed up too much to spoil the conditions. Hoping this is an indication snow will be more present this winter compared to last. It would be even better if it doesn't melt after a few days.
A special highlight on top of skiing was the bird sightings. On Saturday, we were all treated to seeing four short-eared owls fly out of some pine trees together. I got a not-terrible picture of a single one. Andy and I had an added treat when we heard a flock of 30+ sandhill cranes. I'm not sure the picture qualifies as a not-terrible picture, but it was pretty cool to see and hear them.
