Apologies for being off-blog for so long! We got hammered by a huge, heavy snowfall, and many people in my region lost both power and water. Including us.
Hubby and I were excellently-prepared, and we weathered the situation (pun intended 
) well. And we’re fortunate to live near a creek branch. After four days, though, I was getting antsy for such conveniences as our dishwasher, clothes washing machine, and my computer.
During the power outage, I didn’t do any work on Heart’s Chalice (though I could have written longhand, I decided to give my arms a rest to help heal my repetitive strain injury, and though I’m still super-enthusiastic about HC, I needed a bit of a writer’s break in general). But I read in the evenings, after hubby and I had done the daily work required to keep our household going. Every day, we sang, “Tonight, we’re gonna party like it’s 1799.”
Here’s how we kept warm (a kerosene heater):
We had plenty of food and cooked on a propane stove. For evening illumination, we used our headlamps, which we wear on night hikes. And we also used oil lamps, keeping our Ballicai (otherwise known as cats) under close watch:
Despite the extra logistical issues required for everyday survival during the power and water outages, hubby and I couldn’t resist a hike in the mountains on Saturday, after the heaviest of the snow had fallen. While fresh snow is beautiful anywhere, it’s especially beautiful in the mountains.
The snow was deep enough that I needed these snow gaiters to keep my britches legs dry.
When we got to the trailhead, here’s what greeted us:
The snow was delicious, too. During the hike, I couldn’t quit eating snow wads, like this:
The snow was so heavy that it bent medium-sized pine trees to the ground.
With that kind of heft, no wonder we lost power.
We hiked along a familiar trail, but the heavy snow transformed everything. It was as though we’d been swept off to an enchanted winter wonderland.
Even the spindly, late-fall tree branches were laden with snow…
…against the ethereal, light gray snow sky.
I was endlessly fascinated by how the snow fell on various features of the woods, such as this curlicue vine…
…and how it blew onto the sides of large trees and made distinctive patterns.
Here’s what a trail through laurel thickets looks like in heavy mountain snow:
And in a few places, hubby and I could see, through the omnipresent white, the golden brown of leaves which have yet to fall.
It was one of the most amazing hikes I’ve ever experienced.
Bet you can tell from my smile (and yup, it was still snowing when this picture was taken)!
=-=
Addendum to Winter Storm Adventure:
We got water and power back last night — yippee! My frontier woman / adventurous streak aside, I was relieved, because if the power outage had continued, it would have put a serious crimp in holiday plans. As it is, we’ll have to scramble to catch up, but all will be well.
Took another hike today, Tuesday, and the snow is melting like crazy. Here’s what the forest looks like now:
Blue skies are back…
and on the trail, talk about slop, slush, squelch and squoosh — but hey, it was fun. 
Happy Holidays (and Happy Trails), everyone! See you after Christmas.
22 Comments
Yep, that snow scene is a lot like Yellowstone looked when we were there. Amazing, isn’t it? It’s like some special thing… I really envy the people who live(d) with such beauty every winter.
Glad to hear you guys weathered it well. although… I’m not surprised you did.
Thanks, Susan!
I was thrilled by this snow. Snow like this is rare here anymore, though it was quite common when I was growing up. So this snow was an extra-special treat (both figuratively, and literally since I ate so much of it, lol!).
Hi, Thomma, I am happy to see all is well. We’ve been through weather-type shut downs, which is always nice a day or two, then … : ) Glad you got to rest. ((((hugs my friend)))))
Wow, thanks so much for the fabulous photos. It looks like the forest in ‘The lion, the witch and the wardrobe’. You are so well prepared. It’s good to take a total break from computers and stuff for a few days. Hope you and your family have the best Christmas. Magical photos!
Lovely pictures! I’m glad it all turned out well for you. I know it’s not easy being without power, no matter how well-prepared you are. And water, too? Good job on getting through it with grace and photos to tell the tale!
I love those pictures and I’m so glad you were so well-prepared for it.
I was especially fond of the lamp photo. We used them on the farm when the power went off. Brings back some fine memories.
Hi, Kimmi! Thank you so much. It was an adventure, and fun — but I’m glad things are getting back to normal. Well, they’ll be even more normal after this holiday week, then I can nosedive back headlong into my novel-in-progress. Hugs, my ((((((friend!))))))
Oooh, Gabrielle, nifty comparison to the scenes in The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe! Glad you enjoyed, and yes, I really needed the break from the computer (though I’m glad to be back). Merry Christmas to you and yours!
Thanks, Bunnygirl! Yeah, it’s tough — the water thing happened the last day, but *whew*, that was the hardest day, being without both water and power. An interval without modern conveniences makes one appreciate them all the more.
Thank you, Leah! Yeah, I love the oil lamps. They have so much character, such a nifty quality to them. I enjoyed reading by their light.
what wonderful snowy woodland scenes, I loved walking through my snowy woodland on Monday, there is definitely something magical about it!
Glad you got your power back in time for the holidays!
Beautiful. It snowed a lot here, too, but we aren’t near the woods, so that was a treat.
Lovely snow land. I can imagine the walk with you. In the Midwest I got to experience scenes like that a lot. I miss such winter scenes. Thanks for sharing. I’m glad things worked out so you could still go on with your Christmas plans.
(((((((((((Merry Christmas, hugs, KS))))))))))))))
Have a safe journey!
Hi, Crafty! Definitely something magical about snow in the woods — I just love it. I sure hope our power stays on, because I heard just a little while ago that another bad storm is brewing, this one, however, made up of heavy rains, high winds, and possible flooding. Keep your fingers crossed that it won’t be as bad as it’s sounding… sigh.
Thanks so much, Squirrel! The mountains are my favorite place to be when it snows.
((((((((((((((Merry Christmas Hugs)))))))))))))) to you, too, dear KS! I really hope this storm that’s brewing doesn’t put a crimp in things. Our mountains seem to be in a bad mood right now. I hope they sweeten back up soon!
Great hike series, makes me feel like I went along! Looks like your world was magically transformed for a bit- n all so fresh n unspoiled! Beautiful- what a great feeling, seen in your smile.
(I do get to see stuff like this most winters here, being across from the woods).
Sorry you had such unpowered inconvenience so long! Glad you’re back up n able to deal with holiday deeds- in the Nick of time!
Happy Holly Daze!
Thanks, Snaggle! It was absolutely gorgeous, talk about a Winter Wonderland!
The power came back on, yes, in the Nick of time — love the pun, hehe. Happy Holly Daze to you, too, my friend!
that was definitely quite an adventure, Thomma Lyn! Gorgeous photos of the snow laden forest! Thank goodness you all were prepared to wait out the inconveniences the storm caused. Metty Christmas to you, your hubby and your Ballicai!
Thank you, Beth! You wouldn’t believe how fast that snow is melting now. It’s over fifty degrees outside, and drippety drip!
Glad you enjoyed the pictures, and I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and all the best in 2010!
Snow glows,
Snow blows,
Snow steals the shows.
I love your nature in playing with snow.
Cool post.
what an adventure.
having ‘done it’ both ways, i’d have to say i much prefer losing power/water/climate control in summer than in winter. in summer, worst is you get a little hot and sweaty yourself. in winter, it’s not just you that freezes, it’s your water pipes, which have very little sense of humor about these things and burst in protest, potentially ruining your house. no fun.
Thanks, Jingle — glad you enjoyed!
And hi, Maya! Yup, definitely an adventure. We didn’t have freezing water pipes, thank goodness, because it just wasn’t cold enough for that, but in years past, that has been a worry, and yes, it can be just a terrible mess.
Wow, thanks for sharing these gorgeous photos — what a winter wonderland! Thank you also for linking to my Book Marketing Maven blog
Happy New Year,
Dana
Hi, Dana! Thanks for visiting and commenting. I’m glad you enjoyed the photos. That was quite a snow, one to remember!
I wish you all the best in the New Year.
Shoot, I thought I commented on this?
Now I’m all depressed.
Beautiful snow. I feel the weight if its breath as I look at these. I hibernate. I lie still like a sleepy smiling mouse in my winter lair, snuggling closer to my beloveds.
xoxo
Oooh, I’ve got happysmiley shivers from what you wrote — just gorgeous. That’s exactly how the heavy snow made me feel.
xoxo