A journey through the countryside between Ripon and Manteca as well as east toward Escalon finds an endless sea of almond trees ablaze in delicate pink and white blossoms

The intoxicating smell of almonds in bloom has been filling the air around Ripon, Manteca and Escalon for the past few weeks.

The scent is the sweetest perfume nature offers in February. It helps snap you out of your winter doldrums. It is a sure signal that spring is arriving to push away dreary skies and chilly weather.

If you are new to the South County or have been here 20 years and simply haven’t ventured out into the countryside this time of year, do yourself a favor this weekend and take a drive.

It doesn’t matter where: Louise Avenue east of Manteca, Jack Tone Road, River Road, North Ripon Road, Murphy Road, West Ripon Road, and countless others roads too numerous to mention.

This week the scent will be a tad weaker and the trees won’t be as flush in white and pink blossoms. But it is still a pleasure to see the almond trees awaken from their winter slumber while stark branches help frame the skies and bright green grass graces the ground.

Drive with your windows down to catch a slight whiff of almond perfume in the air.

It is so strong that on some evenings all you have to do is step out your front door to awaken your senses even if you’re miles from the nearest almond orchard.

As the final weekend of February nears blossoms have started gently falling to the ground to create a magical snow-like covering as the pleasing aroma starts to subside and the mercury starts inching upwards.

It is little wonder the Ripon Chamber of Commerce picked the last weekend of February to celebrate its blessings with the Almond Blossom Festival now in its 57th year.

There’s no doubt about it. This is a sweet time of the year.

And for countless thousands of South County residents the festival — and the orchard crop it salutes — is the perfect way to mark the return of sunny days.