January Thaw in Amish Country

The snow is beginning to melt as temperatures head above freezing.  This is a photo from the Dave Shaner collection that shows a recent winter thaw. As the snow melts, the gravel roads will transform themselves into rut-filled rivulets and muddy messes.  Green grass will tease from under its melted snow cloak and gardens will beckon.  But it's still too early.  It's only January 9 and winter will definitely return.  Still, it's a good time in Amish country to get out and savor the sun, ride in an open buggy without being sliced by zero degree winds, and shake a little bit of the cabin fever.