March 8, 2009 - The weather was near perfect for much of Southwest Virginia this weekend and residents of the New River Valley took full advantage.

Virginia Tech's Duck Pond was a particularly popular place the second weekend in March, a time of year not typically known for temperatures in the mid-70s.

Gary Cope, 34, and his son Nicholas, 3, dusted off their fishing poles, grabbed the tackle box, packed a lunch and headed to the Duck Pond at Tech to see if the fish were biting.

They were not alone. Families packed the pond armed with fishing poles and bags of bread for the ducks. And judging from all the uneaten bread floating along the banks of the pond, the ducks had more than their fair share.

Fish were literally jumping out of the water as if celebrating the first signs of spring. Though, it is still March and still technically winter, so while spring appears to be on the way, don't be surprised if mother nature gives us one more round of winter. Until then, enjoy the weather while it lasts.