Spring ice

For the spring equinox yesterday, my husband and I went to the beach at Linkletter Park just west of Summerside. The harbour at Summerside is frozen still from temperatures cold enough to sustain the ice. From a distance, it looked like there was open water at this park, an unusual sight thus far in 2018. We were disappointed.

What looked like open water was clear ice over part of Miscouche Cove. 

Beyond this area, the ice and snow covers which are characteristic of the winter coastline, look to be broken into chunks and frozen underneath.

 With the bitter wind, it felt more like late January.

The coastline is snow covered, 

the playground equipment 

and picnic tables frozen into the earth.

They provide the foreground for the more famous Confederation Bridge and the Indian Head Lighthouse in the distance. 

Snowmobile trails skirt the shoreline

We hear birds in the distance though they are unseen, probably fluffed up and sitting in the evergreens. They are the only indication of spring. However, the return of longer days and strengthening sun will soon melt the ice, won’t it?

The harbour ice at low tide

The ice in the harbour at Summerside, Prince Edward Island this time of year is fascinating.

 

During our last walk there this week, ice was left behind by the retreating tide, aground and fractured. 

 

Pans of ice are piled on each other in places and have a hint of red colour from the island sand.

 

They abut the shoreline near the range light and the beach along the inner part of the harbour. 

 

The ice stands out against the red rock which prevents erosion along the shoreline.

 

Meanwhile, further out in the harbour, along the shipping channel, there is open water. 

 

The port has been busy this week ahead of the freeze up of the Northumberland Strait.

Soon all will be frozen for another winter.