Top 10 signs of Springtime
in Canmore
by Shari Bishop Bowes
 
1
The ubiquitous Prairie Crocus pokes its silky lavender head from the dirt on south-facing hillsides along a few mountain paths close to town. Early season hikers crouch down to bring home early photographic evidence.
2
Shorts, capri pants, trendy and very expensive sunglasses, leather Tevas and midriff-baring tops make an appearance for a few hours, reverting to chunky sweaters, corduroy pants, woolen socks and hiking shoes as soon as it clouds over and threatens to snow.
3
The appearance of the 13 or 14 raindrops that seem to comprise the annual rainfall is noted, followed by street corner chiding of Vancouver, B.C. residents who dare to tell locals that daffodils and tulips are already finished out on the west coast.
4
Coffeehouse arguments ensue between friends trying to choose from the 'shoulder season' menu of outdoor activities. Glowing reports of snow conditions and fun on-hill activities are trotted out to do battle with the unbelievably strong spring-time urge to find the low-lying hiking trails sufficiently free enough of snow to warrant leaving the snowshoes at home
5
Three or four flies and a lone mosquito lazily make their way indoors when windows and doors are thrown open to the spring breeze. The discussion turns to whether or not to purchase a screen door this year, but concludes when you are reminded that, oddly, these few flighted pests are likely to be the last you see all season - just like last year.
6
Neighbours and their children who moved to the community over the winter drag out the gas barbecue and vow to start a monthly get-together tradition.
7
Shop and restaurant owners receive mysteriously muffled telephone calls at about a quarter past shift start time from "ill" employees - and especially on clear, sunny days that follow an overnight dump of snow on the ski hills.
8
Sub alpine gardeners scour seed catalogues and greenhouse flyers for brilliant ideas that may help coax something green and blooming from the stubborn soil of Canmore
9
Mountain bikes begin to match the number of cars on Canmore streets.
10
A Canmore visitor stops to chat with a friendly local, asking, "Do you ever get tired of the view, and begin to take this scenery for granted?" The local looks up at the horizon of mountain peaks in all directions, slowly losing their caps of snow in the springtime sunshine. "The view, you say? Never. It's different today, it will be different again tomorrow."
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