Every year sometime in March those who live in the northern part of the United States receive the wonderful blessing of warm weather after months of severe cold. The only problem with this is that the ground is either still covered with snow or is being thawed from its frozen state, both of which lead to what we commonly refer to as "mud season." Although the season length and severity vary from year to year, if you live near a dirt road, you know that in these conditions, your car will leave deep trail marks and slide down hills, leaving any car looking like it was just winding down some off-road path. Those who are near sidewalks and public areas come across the season less, but even areas like those in between buildings can sit soaked and ready for anyone who steps onto them to have their shoes confiscated. And the thing is, there isn't much you can do about it. Snow can be plowed, rain runs into gutters, but mud sticks. 

 

For those who don't live in an area like this, it can be a shock to come expecting beautiful mountains and be met with lots of brown. But the joy that comes from the descent of mud season is more in the fact that it means spring is here (or is coming, at least) and Vermont will soon become green again. And during this time, there is a break from most tourists, so that some of the best spots are uncrowded, and outdoor activities that don't involve snow can commence again, like hiking and canoeing. The mud is just part of Vermont living, something that you adjust to and expect to come, but it's worth it knowing that spring is on its way and it'll be warm and filled with budding leaves and flowers once again.