By Liz Page
There is a reason for Groundhog Day, believe it or not - it is supposedly the midpoint of winter or the Vernal Equinox, which began on Dec. 21 (six weeks ago). Groundhog Day is an event that has continued for 138 years, counting this coming Sunday. The scientists will tell you it's all a bunch of bull. Punxsutawney Phil, a groundhog, is right less than half the time and an early spring has been predicted only 20 times. Probably because 12 weeks isn't enough time to get in all the wintery type weather that can take place, especially in the Northeast.
Sunday is Groundhog Day, Feb. 2. Six more weeks puts us at March 16. Seldom is winter done by mid-March. If President Donald Trump does not end it, the clocks will "spring forward" on March 9, another indication for some that spring is on the way. We can already notice that it is no longer pitch dark when we get home from our 9 to 5 jobs.
The first six weeks, although it has been more than six weeks that we have been having winter weather, have been quite wintery. January has seen below normal temperatures and there have been very few days, since the Thanksgiving vacation, that there hasn't been some snow on the ground. Older folks will tell you that's how it used to be. The snow arrived in November and didn't leave until late March or later.
The snowmobilers are revving their engines and if the weather holds it will be good for the annual Mile Hill Snow Drags on Feb. 15 at Eklunds in Stamford. Sponsored by the Central Catskill Trail Association, they have already been at work attempting to hold the snow. The last two winters were difficult to have enough snow for the races. With this week's snow squalls and if the weather stays colder than normal, the drags will be all set for this year. Snowmobilers have been out over the past week as snow accumulations have mounted slowly. There have been no major snowstorms since the one at Thanksgiving time.
Daylight is lasting longer each day and as we move toward the summer solstice on June 20, the longest day of the year. Equinox means equal night. The vernal equinox arrives in March and the second one comes in the fall, or the autumnal equinox (Sept. 21). Daylight and nighttime are each 12 hours.
When the groundhog sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. If the groundhog doesn't see his shadow, spring will arrive early. We have had his prediction since Feb. 2, 1887 with the first groundhog day in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. It has grown to become a full day of special, light -hearted events to celebrate the furry creature and his prediction. It is now a tourist destination in the middle of winter. Although some protest it is cruel to keep the furry marmot in captivity and on display.
The tradition of Groundhog Day was begun by the Dutch settlers in Pennsylvania. Last year there was a movement by PETA, protesting this tradition is cruel to the animal. Others believe the woodchuck living underneath the library in Punxsutawney is pretty good. It doesn't have to forage for food, or dig an expansive burrow. The one day of flashing lights isn't so terrible and besides, no one is eating them during the celebrations anymore. I'm not sure the woodchuck on the hillside in my back 40 enjoys digging his burrow. When he is out eating, he is under constant stress, keeping an eye out for predators. Sometimes he has to barrel for cover, just in the nick of time and my woodchuck has had to add eagles to the list of things it is prey for. Fortunately, he is no longer a target for pot shots from woodchuck hunters. The fox travels by the burrow each day and my dog Taz is constantly drawn to check it out. Fortunately, he has several escape routes.
And, in case you were wondering, I watched a woodchuck last spring travel all around the hillside in the snow. I'm not sure if he woke up because the weather was nice. and was just out for a stroll or perhaps he was searching for another woodchuck. I was amazed, because I have never seen a woodchuck out in the snow.
This year's prediction is for snow and cold and it is likely he will not see his shadow. The Farmer's Almanac predicts plenty more winter weather. I should also note that some of the major snowstorms come in those last few weeks of winter. So, it will mean six more weeks of winter that we were likely to have anyway. And, just for your information, the German settlers who started the whole Groundhog Day thing, used a badger, not a woodchuck. It is good to note, however, we are at least a quarter of the way to the longest day.
That's enough Woodchuck trivia. Enjoy your Groundhog Day.
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