Spring in January?

No, it is definitely not spring yet although it was a few degrees warmer today than in the past few days. I somehow expected some spring-like vegetation in the Botanical Garden and since it was a bit warmer and there was no snow on the bike paths, Janos and I cycled there. This winter cycling is something new; last year when it got cold, I didn't get on my bike for at least three months. They say it's all about wearing the right clothing, so I bought some top-quality winter mittens, changed my attitude and have been cycling short disances in town since we got back from Spain.

In the Botanical Garden there wasn't even a tiny blossom on the witch hazel. I did see the tips of what I think will be snow drops poking through the layers of dry leaves and snow, though. Perhaps in a few weeks ... When it started to rain, we went into the Botanical Garden's cafe and had an early lunch along with many other inveterate botanical garden visitors who got caught in the rain.

We take our usual route through the Olympic Park.

When we got there, we warmed up a little in the greenhouse.

The flower beds in winter sleep

We take refuge.

As it rained, the cafe soon filled up.

We take a short walk and see some green beneath the snow.

Our bikes are waiting.