Sometimes, like today, St. John’s is gorgeous in the snow

St. John’s has a complicated relationship with winter.

First, it seems like it will never end. We’re weeks away from that period — the time of year when the rest of the country is bursting with spring, and we’re about to lose hope.

Second, winter here is an endurance test of endless obstacles. It’s a walkable city … when there’s no snow. While sidewalk-clearing efforts have improved over the years, it’s still not uncommon to have no choice but to walk in the streets.

Third, because of our proximity to the ocean and a relentless freeze-thaw-freeze-thaw cycle, we wind up with an icy, slushy, often dirty mess.

BUT … on a day like today, after a fresh and light dusting of snow and under bright blue skies, it’s hard not to like it.

I snapped some photos earlier today when I was out running errands, particularly around Memorial University and the Arts and Culture Centre.