Snowscapes
Posted: January 6, 2013 Filed under: 365 Meditation Challenge, Air, Daily Walk, Earth, Fire, home, Mindfulness, nature, Photography, pond, snow, Spirit, Walking, water, weather, winter | Tags: birds, cross-country skiing, MaidinSun Photography, nature, Outdoors, Photography, pond, Sledding, snow, water, weather, winter, woods 34 CommentsThere is nothing in the world more beautiful than the forest clothed to its very hollows in snow. It is the still ecstasy of nature, wherein every spray, every blade of grass, every spire of reed, every intricacy of twig, is clad with radiance.
~ William Sharp
Friday was just the kind of day Mr. Sharp describes. The morning started out gray and cloudy, but within a few hours the clouds broke apart and drifted like cotton balls in a deep blue sky.
It was the kind of day to marvel at the magic of winter, and the many-colored sparkles on the snow and ice. It was a good day for sledding, too.
During those deep freeze days, the pond was frozen enough to bear our weight, and we could sled right out onto the ice, competing to see who can make it the closest to the back of the pond. (M always wins, but there’s a good reason for that. He doesn’t hesitate or try to slow himself down. He trusts that he’ll get there, wherever “there” might be. I want to be like that someday. When I grow up.)
On Friday I hiked around Breezy Acres, around the pond, through the meadows, and into the woods. Later in the day I went cross-country skiing up at Chapin Forest Reservation. I had a moment (or two or three) of panic going up a big hill that I’ve been able to ski up in the past. The conditions were icy, and by the time I got near the top of the hill where it is steepest, I’d lost my momentum and started a slow slide backwards. Digging in my poles, I stood there for a minute or so, hoping my arms would hold me until I figured out what to do. I eventually moved to the side, off the groomed trail and on the up side of a tree which kept me from sliding as I removed my skis. I walked the rest of the way up.
I’d like to say it was easy going after that, but it wasn’t. The tracks were icy, and I find it difficult to ski on ice. At the third big patch of ice, I took off my skis and walked around it. Near the finish, I once again took off my skis and walked. My legs and arms were tired, and I wanted nothing more than to have some almost direct contact with the earth.
I don’t have any photos from this adventure. I was too busy learning to ski on icy snow. I can’t say I liked the ice, but did enjoy being back in the woods where I rarely saw anyone else.
From the looks of the weather forecast, we’ll have lost most of the snow by next Saturday. It’s supposed to warm up into the 40’s by midweek, and the 50’s by Saturday. An early January Thaw.
It’s not the end of winter. The weather folks are saying an arctic blast will follow the warm-up. There might be more skiing to come.
M and I have been keeping busy this weekend with projects around the house. Why is it that a simple project almost always turns into a complicated undertaking? It must be those connections. One thing always leading to another. And another. And, well, you get the idea.
I reckon that’s it from the Bogs for today. It’s been an overcast, gray day with the temperature in the mid-30’s. The snow is starting to melt and I can see some softening around the edges of the pond. The top is getting a bit slushy. We’ll have to close it off to sledding, skating, and walking until that next arctic blast. If the ice on the surface of the pond doesn’t thaw completely with this warm-up to come, it might do the surface some good by making it smoother for ice skating.
Thank you for stopping by. I hope your weekend was relaxing and fun.
Be good, be kind, be loving, just Be. 🙂
What a lovely quote! You chose perfect photos to go along with your days adventures, too!
Thank you, Cindy. 🙂
You’ve excelled yourself with these photos, Robin. 🙂
Thank you so much, Val. 🙂
Fantastic winter scenes Robin!
Thank you, Phil. 🙂
Those patterns in the ice are mesmerizing. Nature – the world’s artist.
Isn’t Nature wonderful, eM? 🙂
Beautiful images Robin!!
Thank you, Mimo. 🙂
Gorgeous day for gorgeous pictures! I envy your energy for the great outdoors in winter!
Well, I’m not always energetic, Karma. lol! There are days when I have to push myself out the door. Yesterday was one of them. The melting slushy snow isn’t nearly as pretty as a fresh snowfall.
Gorgeous snow scene! Wonderful quote.
Thank you, Amy. 🙂
Gorgeous shots – love the woodpecker in the snow.
Thank you, Lorrie. 🙂
beautiful captures
Thanks, Chloe. 🙂
So lovely…I adore the deep silence of the snowy woods, and the world of contrasts that only exisit in winter…
Thank you, Marie. 🙂 Me too.
You’re brave to attempt skiing on ice. I only tried skiing once and that was it. I like direct contact with the ground! I enjoyed the quote and the pics.
Thank you, Jo Ann. I’m not too terribly brave. I always have moments of nervousness before I start to ski, and often while skiing, which tends to throw me off balance. When I relax into it, it goes well. 🙂
Imagine you had a good workout on the skis. Circles and Ripples may favorite. 🙂
Thanks, Frank. And yes, it was a very good workout. 🙂
hi Robin…I just wandered back here again today to enjoy your ice photos again…you do have a special way of catching the essence of creativity and beauty in ice. I remember a few photos your took last winter, of ice on waterfalls…the ice looked like feet and toes. Winter obviously touches a inspiring spot within you in a special touching way…the photos really show that delight and connection. thanks for the wonderful winter photos… (and other seasons too)
Thank you so much, Kathy. 🙂 I was just thinking of the ice picture, too (the one that looks like feet and toes). Funny how that came to mind for both of us.
It all sounds like such great fun Robin, skiing on snow and ice, and even the icey pond! 🙂
It’s mostly fun, Joanne, although I don’t care much for the ice. Snow is much better. 🙂
Love the ice patterns. Always wondered why they’re called red bellied woodpeckers! And sounds like quite an icy ski adventure! Perhaps I’ll live in a snowy place again one day, but I’m not sure it’s going to happen – but I like visiting the snow!
Thank you, Carla. 🙂
I’ve been wondering the same thing about red bellied woodpeckers. I never see any red on their bellies. I looked it up and according to Wild Birds Unlimited, it’s name comes from “the unique pinkish tinge on the belly, common to both genders.” That answer makes me wonder why it isn’t called the pink bellied woodpecker…
that snow is so inviting … like velvet!!! or maybe is the picture? It doesn`t snow in BA, just one day in 98 years!!!! so I don`t get to see snow often …
Thank you, Ellen. 🙂
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