Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, March 5, 1964

When I awoke (about 7:00) I saw that the creek was flush* with the “island” and full of small chunks of ice — moving at a tempestuous rate — The sun was shining, and the sky a clear blue, with only a few scattered clouds — A strong southwest wind

I had planned to work on the “Swamp-fire at night” but the day was so exciting I could think of nothing but going down into the country — (preferably the Big Woods —) Bertha was all for it — and soon we were on our way (we planned to have luncheon at the Gowanda Hotel).

(*before we left the water and ice were running over the island)

Hardly were we started, when a deep blue-black spread over the whole west & northwest sky — from the southeast the sun still shone brilliantly.

Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, March 5, 1964