This…right here…is what I’ve been optimistically waiting for since the first cold winds started racing through the tops of the oak trees in November. On those days autumn was still present in the crunching of leaves under my feet but winter’s promise was there in the creaking of the branches far above my head.
This past week, winter did not disappoint.
In the midst of the storm the going was rough…30 inches of snow in a single storm makes hiking difficult and we were often in snow past our knees but we managed to make it far enough in to find an opening to the creek.
To give this snowfall a bit of perspective, by the next morning our deck looked like this.
Our next walk, a day later, didn’t get us much farther along the path.
So I abandoned the trails for a few days, played in the snow in my backyard and experimented with photo apps on my phone….spoiler alert if you’ve received my valentines for the past 36 years!
Today I ventured back out into the woods.
Temperatures rising and then falling again at night have made it a bit easier to walk as the snow melts and freezes again, adding layers of ice to support my weight. An almost four mile hike took longer than two hours but they were invigorating, peaceful and rewarding.
I realize many people look at the snow and want it gone.
I have no such aspiration. This is winter’s season and snow has center stage. There is incredible beauty in its starkness and a hush in these woods that doesn’t exist in other seasons.
I, for one, would like that to enjoy that for a bit longer.
These guys might disagree.
pauses&clicks 