Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Wonderful White Gold October 24, 2023

Yesterday I let Mother Nature do her thing! First it was rain, that turned to sleet, then came the white gold!  After spending yesterday waiting out the weather, I was excited to "make waves" out in the brand new snow today.  With some streets, roads and highways being compared to skating rinks, I cared not to venture far. Meandering around the Birth Forest and then along Nose Creek were the ideal places to accomplish the few missions I had for the day.    

Donned in winter wear, a wandering I went! 

There was a perfect amount of snow to give a lovely glow.  

There are a few paths to follow in the Birth Forest and this was where I went first.


One of my missions was to investigate how the Siberian Larch Trees were doing.  
This one was still holding enough needles to support a few centimetres of snow.  

My favourite area to hike through after a new snow fall is shown in this video.  I recorded just a short stretch as I ended up having to duck down lots to go under the branches.  The snow was heavy in the forest and added much weight to the branches.  

Another mission I had for today was to photograph my most recent Virtual Challenge Medal.  During rain, sleet, hail or snow, the post-person does their duty.  The medal arrived in the mail yesterday.  I must confess, I miss participating in a virtual challenge!  

a close up view before heading out in the snow

After spending time in the Birth Forest, next came descending down to the creek.
It's much more fun to run down hill when you have snow to swish through!

The Male Mallard was oblivious to the snow, cold and windchill!  
When I arrived at the erratic rock, I was surprised to see how big the icicles were and  also how many were hanging from the rock!  Yes, there was lots of moisture over the last number of hours and the temperature was cold.  Seeing these was another mission accomplished, this photo would be my inspiration for a watercolour creation.   


This is my version of that!  
I used these three photos, that I took today, as my references.  They were enjoyable to paint and it was very early on when they began to take on a life like look.  I think I would like to paint more!  
Just like the Male Mallard, this Muskrat was oblivious to the wintry weather!
I truly enjoy admiring the creations made by Mother Nature!  
This could be my next ice painting!

There was so much to love about being "out & about" today!  




12 comments:

  1. WOW, white powder magic! Our 11 km, starting at 6.30am, were hot and sweaty.I love the crunchy snow sounds on the videos.

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    1. I love early morning starts like 6:30am during our summer to beat the heat yet is nothing like the heat you experience. Being an early bird is worth it in so many ways!

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  2. Hi Alexandra,
    Your adventure in the ever-changing weather is a testament to your connection with the natural world and your willingness to embrace whatever Mother Nature has in store. From rain to sleet and finally the beauty of fresh snow, you captured the essence of the day beautifully.

    Exploring the Birth Forest and wandering along Nose Creek in these winter conditions sounds like the perfect way to enjoy the tranquility of the season without venturing too far on the potentially treacherous roads. Your curiosity about the Siberian Larch Trees and how they cope with the snow is both fascinating and commendable.

    The image of the Siberian Larch Tree, adorned with a delicate layer of snow, paints a serene picture of winter's embrace, and it's heartening to see you capturing it through your lens. Your dedication to documenting your most recent Virtual Challenge Medal, even in challenging weather, is a testament to your commitment and appreciation for these accomplishments.

    The icicles hanging from the erratic rock add a touch of wonder to your day's journey, and it's inspiring to hear that this sight will serve as the inspiration for a future watercolor creation. Your passion for art and nature shines through in your words, making this a truly delightful glimpse into your world and your adventures with Mother Nature. Thank you for sharing this with us!

    John
    PS Thank you for the OK on longer comments. 😊

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    1. Your words "winter's embrace" says so much! While winter's white wallops are not for everyone, I can feel the comforting warm embrace they offer. If you have it within you to find a way to "embrace" white winters, it can be a few wonderful, magically months!

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  3. Replies
    1. You are someone who is on the same page as me when it comes to snow!

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  4. So beautiful. I love to dream about snow; the nearest I’m likely to get to it. Your winter has certainly started early or is that the norm for you? B x

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    1. Weather like this in late October is typical for this area! Just a couple of hours west is a winter-wonderland now and downhill skiing will probably start in mid November. It is an exciting time of year with promise of fun adventures.

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  5. Hiking in the snow looks wonderful! Nice photo of the Muskrat! Joshua Tree rarely gets snow, and when it does, everyone in the world goes to see it. The roads become gridlocked and there is no place to park. Not sure I'll ever be able to get photos of snow on Joshua Trees!

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    1. It's a whole other world hiking in snow! At this time each year, I rediscover muscles I forgot existed! I goggled to see what Joshua Tree National Park looks like with snow, oh my gosh, no wonder there is gridlock! It looks gorgeous!

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  6. You have a wonderful eye. You can fully catch creations by Nature.

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    1. Thank You! Sometimes it takes going off the beaten track to find these treasures.

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