Community Ditch

Spring has arrived in Boulder. The ditches are flowing even though we have had no rain this month

North St Vrain

Spring has come early to the North St Vrain this year. The ice has melted, leaving a trickle bubbling down the stream. Large piles of rocks washed up in last year's enormous runoff line every twist of its course.

The water is incredibly clear at the moment - sliding by the rocks with hardly a ripple. No sign of green in the grasses on the banks. A possible yellow tinge can be seen in the willows if you know what to look for. But on my one secret south facing bank, more than a dozen pasque flowers tilted their blossoms toward the sun.

 

Eldorado Canyon

The water is no longer bound by the icy barriers. Though still low, it has a new freedom. A sign of the rush to come when the winter releases its hold on the high mountains.

Back on the trail

Unseasonably warm weather has hit Boulder in the last few weeks. Snow and ice are a distant memory. Even the mud is long gone. The first flowers are raising their petals through last year's brown grass. A lone sand lily perches on the side of the trail.