Walk in peace and notice what it feels like to make virgin footprints in the snow. . .
Before the footsteps
On a brilliant & peaceful December day, my old dog and I wandered through the woods enjoying the calm before the storm with twelve to sixteen inches of snow in the forecast for tomorrow. A light dusting of snow had fallen on Christmas day leaving a clean white slate undisturbed by human touch.
Snow sparkling on forest floor
We walked through the tall hemlocks toward the river which was still high and flowing fast from last week’s heavy rains. The wind was calm and the snow sparkled in the morning sun that wove its way though the trees to the forest floor. I was hoping we’d see ice formations from the spray of the icy river water splashing on the rocks and the various trees that have fallen across the river during past storms. Below are a few photos of the beauty we enjoyed as we wandered along.
Sun streaming through the hemlock trees
Icy water pouring through the old dam.
Droplets of ice hanging from a stick chewed by a beaver.
Ice droplets hang from a bit of root and reflect in the water
River flowing briskly along swollen from last week’s heavy rain
Rose sitting like a sentinel while I shoot some photos
Who’s been here before us? Squirrel? Mink?
Wild turkey tracks
Snow dusted roots of a large tree washed down the river. Ice is beginning to form on the calmer water to the left. The hemlocks cast a greenish hue in the water.
Time to loop back and check out one of our favorite wild spots on the river.
Hemlocks line both sides of the river, silent witnesses to everything that passes by.
Ice droplets hang like an ornate chandelier
Can you find the moss trapped in the ice?
Tree hugger or hugging trees? Hold onto the feeling of peace as you leave the woods and go on with your day.
The snow began arriving overnight after I wrote the draft for this post. The forecast is for it to snow all day with a final total of 12-18 inches (30-45 cm), our first significant snowfall this winter.
snow begins
composting words 
I’m glad winter’s over– but this post was so delightful, it made me nostalgic!! : )
LikeLike
Thank you! It is a bit of synchronicity that you commented on this older post. It has a photo of our dog who passed away in February. I woke up feeling her presence and then there was her face in this post.
LikeLike
Pingback: Unique weather yields unique ice formations (Weekly Photo Challenge) | composting words
LOVE the photos of the ice coating branches and twigs….gorgeous!
LikeLike
Thank you for your kind comment. I love how nature leaves us these beautiful gifts to discover – especially in winter when we might otherwise be tempted to hibernate inside where it is warm.
LikeLike
What a lovely area you have for walking.
LikeLike
I never get tired of walking here though sometimes the mosquitoes do chase me out in the summer. 🙂
LikeLike
Oh I am so moved! Thank you!
LikeLike
I was moved to be there and rather wished I had stuck a sandwich in my pocket so I could have spent even more time out in the woods.
LikeLike
Beautiful nature photos. Thanks for sharing them. Thanks also for visiting our blog and giving us the chance to discover your blog.
Marks and Joey
LikeLike
With the week off from work I was so pleased to have the time to get out for a walk and capture the ice formation photos before the snow storm came in.
LikeLike
Once again, you share the Beauty of Life untouched. So Beautiful thank you for sharing.
CP north
LikeLike
I feel so blessed to be able to spend time in such a beautiful place that has such strong healing energy.
LikeLike