Monday, January 28, 2008

fresh air

I really dislike being cold. A lovely evening (Or morning. Or afternoon.) for me is spent reading in my big chair, wearing fleece, wrapped in fleece blankets, snuggled up with various cats and a hot water bottle, sipping a mug of steaming tea. Having the space heater chugging way nearby is entirely optional, but still a nice touch. Venturing outside and into below freezing temperatures (24°F!) is an event for me, but I've been having a bad case of cabin fever, feeling all cooped up - sluggish and stuffy.

So we decided to pay a visit to the Metroparks for a brisk walk. We go to the park frequently during the other seasons of the year and it's usually filled with people busily pursuing their own activities - biking, hiking, and the like.

The park in the winter is almost deserted. It is so quiet - the whole world seems to be asleep and dreaming of spring.

(Sunset Pond)


Crunching our way through the woods, I marveled at the stark bare-boned trees. Without the cover of leaves, they are all contrast and architecture against the white of the snow. Mike led us to the falls and...oh! The icicles!

(Buttermilk Falls)


So much surprising beauty, out there in the ice. I'm planning another walk soon. I've heard of a secret place in the woods where the wild birds will sit in your hand and that there's even a castle to explore! Winter magic!

13 comments:

Mike W. said...

The question is, were either (or both) of you packing while on your nature hike?

Earl said...

Nice pictures, lovely water fall, thank you.

NotClauswitz said...

Surprising beauty indeed! I'm with you on the stay-warm emphasis, but I suppose an occasional foray into the not-warm is viable with correct preparation and gear.

Anonymous said...

What the hell is all that white stuff?

Did I mention I had to roll up my sleeves yesterday since it got so warm?

Anonymous said...

I love the woods in winter. There is no such thing as cold, only inadequate gear!

Mike W. said...

I'm with everyone else. Snow looks nice and all, but cold weather is just plain terrible.

Christina RN LMT said...

I wouldn't mind a visit, but I wouldn't want to live there!
It looks very beautiful, and COLD.

Carteach said...

Nice! Thanks for sharing that

breda said...

MikeW....we don't have our CCW yet, but when we do, I'm sure we'll be packing everywhere we can!

Robb, ..... >=/

Mike W. said...

No open carry in Ohio? I thought you could but you need a license to carry open or concealed in a vehicle.

breda said...

Mike - Sure, open carry is fine in Ohio, but remember, I was dressed in a big coat, lots of layers - I don't think there would be a way to open carry.

Ken said...

I am not sure whether carrying is permitted or not in the Metroparks. I hike in the hills behind Squire's Castle or at Chapin Forest as often as I can, on my lunch hour.

phlegmfatale said...

Stunning photographs. And I vastly prefer the cold. And dark and wet are okay, too. Nice.