Going out to find spring!

Last weekend, I went out to find spring in the suburbs of Ishikari.

I saw swans and greater white-fronted geese on their way to Siberia. They were taking a break before their long journey.

Also, I saw skunk cabbages which are flowers that traditionally herald the arrival of spring.

At the beach, I saw the thawing mountains in the distance, and the colors of the sea, sky and clouds were the hazy hues typical of spring.