The concept of Groundhog Day has always seemed like an insignificant day where an animal predicts the weather, but this year was a turning point for the groundhog. Phil, the groundhog, who lives in Punxsutawney, PA was awoken on Tuesday, February second to predict whether spring is right around the corner or winter is going to stay for an additional six weeks. Phil did not see his shadow, which means that Spring is going to come early this year. Based on the weather lately there have been a few glimpses of beautiful spring days. I was surprised that the groundhog did not see his shadow because from what I remember winter always stayed longer. The groundhog has seen his shadow eight times in the last twenty years and the last time he did not see his shadow was in 2013. I was excited to hear that spring would be coming sooner than expected. Spring is full of new beginnings, plants blooming and longer days with multicolored sunsets—never a bad thing. This year spring is coming early and that means more opportunities to explore the PNW and embrace the expected beautiful weather.
Here are a few suggestions of fun spring activities! One is volunteering with outdoor activities. Ivy is an invasive plant that is visually appealing but is also causing local plants to decrease in numbers. Saturday mornings you can volunteer with Hands On Portland to plant more plants and pull ivy in forest park. Another fun activity is hiking, which is always great to do in the PNW but spring is particularly beautiful because the weather is cool enough to enjoy the hike. There are endless hikes throughout the PNW that are beautiful; some personal favorites are Angel’s Rest, Silver Creek Falls, and Beacon Rock. Lastly, Portland’s downtown is always enjoyable. You can enjoy a nice walk in the city, or enjoy a stroll through one of the many parks downtown. On a sunny day you can find many people embracing the warm weather, lying in the grass or playing Frisbee with friends.
This is a spring evening 2015 view from about half way up Beacon Rock.
Big shout out to Phil for letting us know spring is coming early this year!