Ground Hog predictors return with mixed results
By Nelson Daily Staff
An early end to winter 2014 depends on whom you believe.
In Ontario, Wiarton Willie left the cozy den Sunday morning to see his shadow, which according to folk tradition signals another six weeks of winter for Canadians — this after an already punishing winter for Eastern Canada.
However, further to the east in Nova Scotia, Shubenacadie Sam trekked out into the morning light, but unlike Willie, he did not see his shadow.
That means if you believe Shubenacadie Sam, happier, warmer days, are right around the corner.
The same held true in Quebec where Fred la Marmotte witnessed snow outside the hole meaning an early spring.
South of the 49th parallel, the world famous Punxsutawney Phil did see his shadow, which doesn’t bode well as another six weeks of Old Man Winter appears to be on the horizon.
For those keeping score at home its Wiarton Willie of Wiarton, Ont.; Punxsutawney Phil of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania; and Chuck from Staten Island, New York seeing their shadow meaning six more weeks of winter.
On the other side of the Ground Hog predictions is Willow of Winnipeg, Manitoba; Shubenacadie Sam of Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia and General Beauregard Lee of Liburn, Georgia all seeing no shadow and spring arriving early.
In the West Kootenay winter has been all but a blip on the radar screen as mild temperatures and a lack of preciptiation has led to one of the warmest winters on record.
