Today on a whim I decided to go for a hike. Jumping in my long johns (it's cold here), and grabbing my camera I went over to a local park. Yesterday due to unseasonably warm weather the majority of our snow melted. Apparently in the park the snow melted a little bit, slid toward the water (where the path runs) and refroze. Almost the entire path was ice covered by a half inch of snow.
The hike isn't very long, maybe 45 minutes total, and travels upstream along the river. The river is frozen, except for a few places where the sun hits consistently enough to thaw the ice. I tried to capture a few images of the ice. In places where it has been pushed up you can see the depth of the ice, a good 8 inches thick.
Though the walk wasn't long, I was frozen through when I made it back. It's the kind of cold that makes your eyes water, your nose run, and your cheek bones hurt (the only part really exposed the elements). A great walk, though not nearly long enough. The photos are mostly white due to the fact everything up here is snow and ice. Enjoy!!
Hawaii
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Snowy Days Story
A few weekends ago I traveled back to home for a long weekend visit. On my trip home I was fortunate to take some wonderful pictures!!
The first set is a group of pictures taken around the house, mainly of the birds. With the new lens I was able to get some amazing shots.
The second set is from an outing Mom and I took. We rented some snowshoes, and went for a two hour hike through the woods. Due to the steep nature of the trail this isn't a path my parents could travel on cross country skis, so it was our first time.
We started the hike at an open pond, getting used the the snowshoes. Though I've snowshoed before, Mom hasn't, and we took time adjusting the shoes to fit perfectly. Never-the-less, I nearly tripped probably 50 times, but managed to stay upright.
The hike went past the pond, over to an open hill facing the ski resort on the other side of the valley. Progressing up the open hill, we passed over the tree-lined road, to the forest on the far side. Following the forest edge up the hill we found the start of our trail, though had Mom not been there I doubt I would have noticed.
The trail continues the rest of the way throughout the woods, moving up the hill, often with steep inclines. A couple of times we had to walk across narrow wooden bridges. The first large hurdle we had was at one of these bridges. A large tree had fallen over the very beginning of the bridge. The bridges were no more than a foot and a half wide, so walking across was already a difficult task. Trying to balance and make it over the fallen tree was entertaining.
After climbing the very steep section of the trail we found ourselves in an open area, accessible to perhaps park vehicles. We split from the road moving back the trail to stop at an outlook. Below us the cliff fell off a good 150 feet. Definitely a sight the camera could not capture.
Following the escarpment still further up the hill we made our way in to a less densely populated forest. Here all the trees seemed to start their branches up a good 30 feet. Noticing a cabin off to our right and some picnic tables propped up against trees we made our way over to the park road migrating between the seasonal camp sites.
As a child my parents brought me to this very park on a regular basis, and I have memories from old videos, photographs, and slides of the park, the playground, and a bright swing we sat on by the upper pond. Making our way out to this very area of the park Mom and I rested on the bright swing, attempting to swing with our snowshoes on.
Following the road to the other side of the pond, we walked towards our way back, passing through the playground. Getting a surge of energy I ran up to the monkey bars, only to realize I could now stand on the ground, and not even fully extend my arms to reach them. I still walked across the bars, then jogged to rejoin my mom.
The path we took at this point was to visit Mom's favorite pine stand. Walking in to a clearing the middle of the pines Mom and I stood listening to the birds. I then attempted to walk in the shape of a heart, and took pictures of my creation in the fresh snow.
Leading the way Mom took us deeper in to the pine stand. She has a wonderful sense of humor and told me she wanted to experience the pines, or embrace the pines (one of the two). To her that meant walking between the pine branches, where you couldn't really get through. I spent a good ten minutes with my forearm up over my face so I wouldn't get hit in the face. Later Mom told me "It's really fun to have me go through first so you get smacked in the face with the branches!"
But the smell of fresh pine, and the feeling of the long five-needle red pines brushing by your face... something everyone should experience in their life.
Coming out the other side of the pines we moved along to the road we had crossed at the very beginning of our trip and followed it back down to the lower pond. On a blue wintry day, with birds calling, branches blowing, and the company of your mom... who could ask for a better hike?
The first set is a group of pictures taken around the house, mainly of the birds. With the new lens I was able to get some amazing shots.
The second set is from an outing Mom and I took. We rented some snowshoes, and went for a two hour hike through the woods. Due to the steep nature of the trail this isn't a path my parents could travel on cross country skis, so it was our first time.
We started the hike at an open pond, getting used the the snowshoes. Though I've snowshoed before, Mom hasn't, and we took time adjusting the shoes to fit perfectly. Never-the-less, I nearly tripped probably 50 times, but managed to stay upright.
The hike went past the pond, over to an open hill facing the ski resort on the other side of the valley. Progressing up the open hill, we passed over the tree-lined road, to the forest on the far side. Following the forest edge up the hill we found the start of our trail, though had Mom not been there I doubt I would have noticed.
The trail continues the rest of the way throughout the woods, moving up the hill, often with steep inclines. A couple of times we had to walk across narrow wooden bridges. The first large hurdle we had was at one of these bridges. A large tree had fallen over the very beginning of the bridge. The bridges were no more than a foot and a half wide, so walking across was already a difficult task. Trying to balance and make it over the fallen tree was entertaining.
After climbing the very steep section of the trail we found ourselves in an open area, accessible to perhaps park vehicles. We split from the road moving back the trail to stop at an outlook. Below us the cliff fell off a good 150 feet. Definitely a sight the camera could not capture.
Following the escarpment still further up the hill we made our way in to a less densely populated forest. Here all the trees seemed to start their branches up a good 30 feet. Noticing a cabin off to our right and some picnic tables propped up against trees we made our way over to the park road migrating between the seasonal camp sites.
As a child my parents brought me to this very park on a regular basis, and I have memories from old videos, photographs, and slides of the park, the playground, and a bright swing we sat on by the upper pond. Making our way out to this very area of the park Mom and I rested on the bright swing, attempting to swing with our snowshoes on.
Following the road to the other side of the pond, we walked towards our way back, passing through the playground. Getting a surge of energy I ran up to the monkey bars, only to realize I could now stand on the ground, and not even fully extend my arms to reach them. I still walked across the bars, then jogged to rejoin my mom.
The path we took at this point was to visit Mom's favorite pine stand. Walking in to a clearing the middle of the pines Mom and I stood listening to the birds. I then attempted to walk in the shape of a heart, and took pictures of my creation in the fresh snow.
Leading the way Mom took us deeper in to the pine stand. She has a wonderful sense of humor and told me she wanted to experience the pines, or embrace the pines (one of the two). To her that meant walking between the pine branches, where you couldn't really get through. I spent a good ten minutes with my forearm up over my face so I wouldn't get hit in the face. Later Mom told me "It's really fun to have me go through first so you get smacked in the face with the branches!"
But the smell of fresh pine, and the feeling of the long five-needle red pines brushing by your face... something everyone should experience in their life.
Coming out the other side of the pines we moved along to the road we had crossed at the very beginning of our trip and followed it back down to the lower pond. On a blue wintry day, with birds calling, branches blowing, and the company of your mom... who could ask for a better hike?
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Snowy Trail Hike
This past weekend I packed up my camera, strapped on my "tall" hiking boots, and wrapped myself in some warm clothes, and hit the road. In town we have a 2nd park, right along the river. Parking my car I went for a walk in the woods, along the bank.
There was about a foot to a foot and a half of snow, so walking took a bit, but it was a lot of fun. I had wanted to rent some Cross Country Skis, but the store wasn't open for renting, so I hiked it.
I followed a track of XC skis through the woods, sinking in to the snow up to my knees at times. A cardinal called out to me, and hoping to snap a picture of the crimson bird I mimicked the call back, attempting to coax the bird out of hiding. (I was unsuccessful unfortunately.)
There was about a foot to a foot and a half of snow, so walking took a bit, but it was a lot of fun. I had wanted to rent some Cross Country Skis, but the store wasn't open for renting, so I hiked it.
I followed a track of XC skis through the woods, sinking in to the snow up to my knees at times. A cardinal called out to me, and hoping to snap a picture of the crimson bird I mimicked the call back, attempting to coax the bird out of hiding. (I was unsuccessful unfortunately.)
Friday, February 6, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
Hiking Trail
A few hours ago I decided I needed to go for a hiking. Layering up, and packing up my camera I hit the road. At the end of a long snow covered drive there's a small parking area. Just large enough to turn the car around afterwards. The trailhead starts in 3 places, but I decided to go with the middle section.
The first picture in the slideshow was meant to show you the snow drifts. There was probably 2 or so feet of compacted snow at the trailhead which you climbed up to get to the walkway over the pennstock. On the other side there was a at least 3 feet of snow, though I didn't figure that out until later.
The pennstock carries the water down to the power generator. Often while on the hike I heard this low rumbling, crescendoing until it barreled past me. Ice enters the pennstock up river and clangs and clatters its way down to the dam. At that point the river is pretty swift, and mini icebergs dot the water.
I estimated someone had been on the trail about 24 hours ahead of me, due to the tracks, with a dog. The trail follows the pennstock, but often cuts in and out of the woods, moving closer to the river. Most of the time I was sinking in to the snow an inch or so, but a few times I slipped and ended up thigh-high in the snow, having to crawl to pull myself out. It was a blast!!
Halfway down the trail the boot prints I had been following slipped underneath the pennstock, and instead my trail was replaced with cross country ski tracks. At this point the hiking became much worse as I sank in more often. But it was gorgeous out, I was out hiking, and happy as a pea in a pod.
Out in the woods there is a constant reconnection with the core of truth. All petty arguments are forgotten, and you're forced to focus only on those things that are most important. Stress has been rampant lately, and this hike allowed that to release.
Once I reached the power plant I attempted to find the road to take that back to the parking lot. I say attempted because although I knew exactly where it was, I had a hard time getting to it! The trail continues on down the river for a while, and the area where the path splits was covered in more snow than the path. At point point I stepped only to find myself nearly hip deep in the snow. I laughed quite a lot, crawled to pull myself out, and my next step fell right back in. It took a bit, but was a great time.
Now back in my room, curled back in my pjs I miss it. I'm looking forward to planning my next hike, though I'll need some companions. Have any suggestions on where to go?
The first picture in the slideshow was meant to show you the snow drifts. There was probably 2 or so feet of compacted snow at the trailhead which you climbed up to get to the walkway over the pennstock. On the other side there was a at least 3 feet of snow, though I didn't figure that out until later.
The pennstock carries the water down to the power generator. Often while on the hike I heard this low rumbling, crescendoing until it barreled past me. Ice enters the pennstock up river and clangs and clatters its way down to the dam. At that point the river is pretty swift, and mini icebergs dot the water.
I estimated someone had been on the trail about 24 hours ahead of me, due to the tracks, with a dog. The trail follows the pennstock, but often cuts in and out of the woods, moving closer to the river. Most of the time I was sinking in to the snow an inch or so, but a few times I slipped and ended up thigh-high in the snow, having to crawl to pull myself out. It was a blast!!
Halfway down the trail the boot prints I had been following slipped underneath the pennstock, and instead my trail was replaced with cross country ski tracks. At this point the hiking became much worse as I sank in more often. But it was gorgeous out, I was out hiking, and happy as a pea in a pod.
Out in the woods there is a constant reconnection with the core of truth. All petty arguments are forgotten, and you're forced to focus only on those things that are most important. Stress has been rampant lately, and this hike allowed that to release.
Once I reached the power plant I attempted to find the road to take that back to the parking lot. I say attempted because although I knew exactly where it was, I had a hard time getting to it! The trail continues on down the river for a while, and the area where the path splits was covered in more snow than the path. At point point I stepped only to find myself nearly hip deep in the snow. I laughed quite a lot, crawled to pull myself out, and my next step fell right back in. It took a bit, but was a great time.
Now back in my room, curled back in my pjs I miss it. I'm looking forward to planning my next hike, though I'll need some companions. Have any suggestions on where to go?
River shots
This past week I had to run some errands in town, and so decided to bring my camera long, just in case the sun cooperated for some pictures. I made it to the park just before sunset, and was able to snap a few shots of the reflections of the sun on the river.
Something about the flow of the river, the peaceful wind, and the near absolute silence except for these sounds provides a stress release akin to an hour's nap. Such a wonderful place.
Something about the flow of the river, the peaceful wind, and the near absolute silence except for these sounds provides a stress release akin to an hour's nap. Such a wonderful place.
Foggy River
Last week, I bundled up, and took off for my favorite little town park. Hiking through thigh-high deep snow, I made my way from the parking lot to the river. For the week prior we had been in -15ºF weather, so most of the river was frozen over. But with the warmer air, a low layer of fog lay over the river, swirling with the currents.
The "Foggy River" slideshow are a series of pictures trying to capture that. Unfortunately, the weather was still bitterly cold, and with the wind I couldn't keep my hands out of my gloves for very long. That meant I didn't get many pictures. I've now purchased a set of very warm liners which allow me to use my camera with them on!
The "Foggy River" slideshow are a series of pictures trying to capture that. Unfortunately, the weather was still bitterly cold, and with the wind I couldn't keep my hands out of my gloves for very long. That meant I didn't get many pictures. I've now purchased a set of very warm liners which allow me to use my camera with them on!
Birds
For Christmas my parents gave me this amazing telephoto zoom lens. The photos of the birds on the feeder are from that lens, taken from either the family room, or my bedroom. It's got some amazing capabilities.
Birds have always been something my family has shared. One birthday my parents gave me a set of binocs and a bird guide. Throughout my childhood I learned to identify birds, mimic some calls, and admire them. I guess it's only fitting that birds were the first thing I used my new lens for.
Enjoy!!
Birds have always been something my family has shared. One birthday my parents gave me a set of binocs and a bird guide. Throughout my childhood I learned to identify birds, mimic some calls, and admire them. I guess it's only fitting that birds were the first thing I used my new lens for.
Enjoy!!
Snowy Parks and Icy Conditions
My apologies for the great delay in posts. I was out of the Adirondack area for about a month, and otherwise occupied! So I'm catching up with posts, and taking more adventures to share with you all.
The slideshow labeled "Snowy Parks" is from my walk around our little town park. The pictures weren't as clear as I would have hoped, as I went around dusk, and the light was failing.
In town a couple of the businesses decorate the trees with Christmas lights, and a few of the pictures are from those trees. Just seeing the snow covered pine branches made me want to sing some warm carols.
The slideshow labeled "Icy conditions" is from the day after. We had some freezing rain, and I really wanted to capture the look of the frozen branches. Every individual pine needle was incapsulated in ice, and it was quite beautiful. It's amazing how simple and beautiful nature is.
The slideshow labeled "Snowy Parks" is from my walk around our little town park. The pictures weren't as clear as I would have hoped, as I went around dusk, and the light was failing.
In town a couple of the businesses decorate the trees with Christmas lights, and a few of the pictures are from those trees. Just seeing the snow covered pine branches made me want to sing some warm carols.
The slideshow labeled "Icy conditions" is from the day after. We had some freezing rain, and I really wanted to capture the look of the frozen branches. Every individual pine needle was incapsulated in ice, and it was quite beautiful. It's amazing how simple and beautiful nature is.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)