Whitehorse Yukon, in April.

It was a distant hope, one I nurtured even while knowing it could not be, but I had hoped to see no snow when I got to Whitehorse.  Although for the most part it has been relegated to piles in parking lots and small banks in empty lots, there is still snow to be found.  Today with a cold wind and about 7c, there is a few drops of rain and grey skies over.

For all of that, and the fact that there are only bare hints of green to be found anywhere other than on the pines, most people are wearing their lighter clothes, and I have yet to see someone dressed for really cold weather.  In Vancouver weather this cold would have mitts, thick parkas and heavy boots in abundance.  Here there are light jackets, smiles and the occasional fool out in short pants.

The trees have got some of that yellowy-brown colour at the tips of the branches like the are waiting for a cue before the buds really come out.  Pussy willows on south facing and low lying slopes have their fuzzy ends showing.  The birds have started appearing in greater numbers.  Spring is easing its way into the north, slowly edging its way in and levering the last dregs of winter away.

And below, are a few pictures taken near Whitehorse of the few animals that did not run away before I managed to get my camera out.