We’re SO back!
Since I first picking my phenology spot, I had been looking forward to visiting in this time of year. People online raved about how fun the ice skating was and how cool the sea caves looked. Before the lake froze over, the sea caves were completely invisible which means that, although Arthur Park was still beautiful, it was missing its main attraction until now!
As I walked to the lake to lace up my skates and hop on the ice, I noticed how my site had changed. It was snow dusted now, and all the leaves had completely fallen to the ground now. My interest was peaked when I noticed that further up the hill, there was far less snow. The closer I got to the lake, the more snow there seemed to be. I wonder if this has to do with elevation. The lake was beautiful, covered entirely in a thick sheet of ice. Parks & Rec seemed to have come by as there was a path shoveled out on the ice for skaters to enjoy. I sat on the bench, laced up my too-small-skates, and looking like a baby deer learning to walk, scooted onto the ice!
The biggest difference I noticed in my spot wasn’t even related to the nature. People of all ages were now gathering here! Before, I hadn’t seen a soul except my phenology buddy and myself! It was so exciting to see the community gathering to enjoy such a fun area in Burlington. Couples, past ice skaters, little kids, and more were all here to enjoy the nature and serenity around us. There were even a couple cute dog prints scattered across the ground! Even with the whipping wind, people were completely immersed in the experience.
The ice was bumpy and nothing like an indoor rink’s pristine experience, but I think that’s where I found the most beauty. I noticed the layers of bubbles trapped in the ice, having been so close to escaping. There were logs and leafs that would be stuck until at least early spring. Lilia and I enjoyed finding little pictures in the bubbles, and our favorite was a smiley face that was clearly outlined. There were uneven parts of the ice that nearly made us fall each time we skated over them. As we did laps on the path, we noticed the ice starting to make a creaking noise. A little intimidating, but we knew the ice was thick, sturdy, and safe. Even with too small of skates, fear of falling over or through, and ankle pain, the fun was unmatched.
The sea caves were so cool. We had to appreciate them from afar as we weren’t sure if the ice was stable close to them. The dips and ridges of the caves looked amazing, and I was in awe of how cool their past is. If they could tell their story, I would die to hear it. It was amazing to finally see what was known as the highlight of this park. However, I think that not seeing them for so many months made me more appreciative of what else the area had to offer. Without the time I had had with the other parts of the land, their beauty would have been completely over looked!
Besides the dog prints and few bird calls, there wasn’t much animal activity. I suspect it is due to there being urban lands so close. I’m sure deer bounce through here and there. It was mostly just shoe prints that littered the area, coming from people excited to enjoy the first skate of the season.
I’m so happy to be back and able to enjoy new parts of this area. It has been so fun to create such an intimate and peaceful relationship with a place in the Burlington area.
