A seemingly long Winter has passed and a fast moving spring has taken over and nature waits for no one.
Dry and sunny days with temperatures in the 80's has awoken slumbering plants and animals. The ice just came off the lakes of northern Wisconsin barely 3 weeks ago but the lake water was 63 degrees and I could not wait to start this season's aquatic adventures.
The bass are spawning and protecting their nest of eggs from predators.
Some weave their eggs in with aquatic plants for security
As I snorkel I am watched by painted turtles sunning themselves on a fallen tree.
And another turtle swims under me.
Panfish, crappies and bass enjoy the cover of the fallen tree.
Aquatic plants are coming out with the warmer water.
After 45 minutes I feel the cold of the water ache in my bones and I take a cue from the turtles and pull myself out of the water and warm up in the sun.
I sit in the warmth of the sun trying to raise my core temperature watching a cloud of midges.
Two geese pass overhead as I warm.
And flowers bloom around me as I enjoy all the magic of spring.
