Saturday, January 9, 2010

Sights Of Winter


I want to show you some of the things I saw just yesterday from my latest hike. If you're not looking at the snow, then you're missing something wonderful. Some of you may have to look out your window to do it, and some of you may have to follow along with me and my stories to enjoy winter. However you do it, it's worth seeing this while it still lasts!

The forest is a completely different world when there is a fresh snowfall covering everything. This is a place that is magically transformed from a world of summer green to a world of winter silver and white. The air even has a different quality in the winter. When you breath in, you get such a clean, refreshed feeling, that you don't want it any other way.


When I go out here I dress very warmly. I wear hiking boots, with the best thick socks underneath. I wear long underwear under my pants. I wear a jacket under my coat. Multiple layers of clothing always work very well. I always wear warm, but thin gloves, so I can still operate my camera. And I make sure my head, and especially my face, is well-covered.

After dressing this way, which isn't difficult at all, I didn't even feel the cold when I went out yesterday. I was as warm as if I were still indoors. I'm saying this for all of you who can go out this time of year but choose not to because you think it's too cold. I'm telling you, with the proper clothing you don't feel the cold even a little bit. And I spent very little to get it.


Here is the place where I saw a squirrel licking the ice to get water a few weeks ago. The great thing about the snow is that the squirrels will never get thirsty. Almost every one of you already know that snow is just frozen water crystals, so all a squirrel has to do for water is to lick the snow. It's even closer to their trees than the lake is.

And now the squirrels can cross the lake to find new adventures, and new homes, for themselves. Some animals are built very well for winters like this one. I'm one of them.


Can you see the hiking trail in this picture? The snow is hiding it very well. Nobody walked along this trail since this snowfall. I was the very first. The marks that dot the snow in so many places are from snow that fell from tree branches as the wind blew. It was great to be able to walk on fresh new snow. Where no one has gone before.

The best thing of all was that I knew that I was truly alone out here. I was free to follow the animal tracks and listen to their chattering off in the distance, without any human disruptions. I felt peace in this snow. This is what I get from hiking in the winter. The great thing is that you can even feel this same peace when you have the company of another like-minded adventurer. Alone or together, it all works the same. Winter is a wonderful time.

15 comments:

  1. it is so true that you must keep yourself warm when going outside in the winter time. i need to get some good boots or maybe some of those little warmer things to stick inside of my boots. when i posted those winter pics, i knew you would be able to tell me what those tracks were. thanks ratty! have a great day...hugz!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I wear layers all day long, but still can't shake the chill out. I'll let you do the exploring, and just come to your blog for the treat of the outdoor for the winter :-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. You have suddenly gained weight and be very "fat" during this winter time though your hiking does continue.

    The squirrels must be laughing at a different guy that they used to see.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ratty- It really is SO special to be the first one to be out and entering the unbroken snow. I'm glad you have discovered the joys of being outside in the snow.

    ReplyDelete
  5. It is fun to see the snow. I was even excited the other day when we had a tiny little dusting of snow. It wasn't even all over, just in some places. And I know just what you mean by all the layers to wear outside and inside for the cold weather. Those are great pictures.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I get the point, stop being a wimp taking pictures through the window....lol For my next excuse I'm going to use the fact that I don't have really cool places to go like you do :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. you are so correct, Ratty, very few dare to walk when it is snowing. I remember when I was still new in CT then, my students and colleagues told me "you're crazy", because they learned I continue to take a walk to my favorite lake despite of snow, and it is very peaceful and quiet since no one almost go out. and yes, as long as we dress warm, we can always brave the cold.

    ReplyDelete
  8. That is definitely a Winter wonderland Ratty and I'm one that is following you for my snow "fix." It is truly special.

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love that when it's cold out and you get dressed up - you can go for a great hike and feel fine. Preparedness essential! Once you are moving your body heats up surprisingly fast. I used to cross country ski and would often only have on a t shirt. :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. I....am...c..c...ccco...l..d...d...just looking at the pic... piiccc...tures...

    ReplyDelete
  11. I had 5 layers on today and I'm in Florida. Awww, turn on the heat please!

    ReplyDelete
  12. oh I am seeing the snow...everywhere I look...and i want the snow to LEAVE!!!! It was nice for a few days....but 3 weeks later it is cold and boring...even the kids don't ant to go out in it any more!!!! Please hurry spring along!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  13. I completely agree! It is hard to explain the freshness of the winter air to people who have never experienced it.
    And you are right about layering and dressing right for it.
    If you stay warm you can really go out there and enjoy it.
    I love it EXCEPT when it is windy..I don't go out much in the wind because I can't stay warm then.
    Good hunting in the winter, Ratty~

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hello everybody! For those of you who can't, or don't want to go out in the cold weather, but want to see what's out there anyway, you don't have to worry. I will do plenty of that for you. I seem to have an extra layer(fat) like a walrus, that keeps me warm. And I don't need snowshoes either, because I have giant clown feet. :D

    Just letting you know that I love reading your comments.

    ReplyDelete
  15. It's good to see you have made peace with winter Ratty, and are enjoying the beauty of the snowy woods. There is nothing more wonderful than exploring this time of the year.

    ReplyDelete