After my last post, things got even colder here. There was one day during which the temperature never got higher than 16 degrees, and the wind chills on the mountain would have been fierce. So until yesterday, I stayed inside, working on Heart’s Chalice, my novel in progress, and on a short story.
I’m pleased with my progress — revisions to Heart’s Chalice are moving right along. But when I go too long without hiking, I get twitchy. I need the balance of BIC (butt-in-chair) with active motion, the balance of home projects with spending time out in nature. So yesterday, when I saw this — blue sky — I decided it was time to get moving.
By comparison to the recent bitter cold, yesterday’s weather was promising for a good hike: highs in the mid-thirties. Downright balmy, compared to sixteen degrees. So off I went.
One of the waterfalls along the trail was still partially frozen. If you look behind the frozen arc, you’ll see fresh, running mountain water.
Though some of the snow has melted, there’s still plenty of it around. And even days old, snow is never prettier than it is on the mountain.
And here’s what the creek branch looked like — still partially frozen.
But since the day was warmer, the leaves of the mountain laurel were curled up less tightly.
Today is cooler and it’s snowing again, but starting tomorrow will be a significant warming trend: sunshine and excellent hiking days (and happy writing days, too, since from hiking, I receive tremendous creative inspiration, among many other wonderful things).
24 Comments
So pretty! I know what you mean about needing to get out and be active, so I’m glad the weather cooperated.
Thanks, Bunnygirl!
It felt sooooooooooooooo good.
Oh TLicule, you live in such a beautiful place! The nearest I can get to hiking right now is to skid on the frozen-over slush. I’m housebound and stir crazy! At least the Caramelicules can get out and survive the ice with their super-grippy paw pads! We had a short visit from White Stripe this evening (the first for ages) so maybe there is enough of a thaw to allow cats to jump walls… Anyhoo, it’s 1C here now, 0C tonight and 1C forecast for tomorrow. ::Sigh::
oxo
Hi, Pennicule! Sounds like it’s pretty chilly across the pond. And I’m glad White Stripe came to visit! I think you’re a kitty magnet, my friend.
Stay warm — the Ballicai send cozy cuddles, and I send hugs. xoxo
Thanks TL! We do seem to be cat magnets here, others have also noted it. I’ve always loved cats and so has Pinky. He came round yesterday with a new scart lead to reconnect my DVD player and he could hardly complete the job for Simba’s snoopervising! Simba isn’t shy, but he is usually standoffish! Then later, as Pinky and I sat talking, Alfie came and sat with us (he who hides when there’s any extra bean in the house). Result! Hugs and chin scritches
xxx
What wonderful pics. I love that waterfall. I can feel the icy cold clean of the water. I know how good it feels to get out and get some fresh air into the brain.
hehe, Pennicule, at Simba snoopervising Pinky! And how sweet that Alfie came out for chin scritches. Marilyn doesn’t have a shy bone in her body — anyone who comes over gets rubbed on and purred on by Marilyn. On the other end of the spectrum is Dorydoo — she’s very shy, but she’s very feisty — and a sweetie, too — once you get to know her.
xo
Thanks, Leah! I have a thing for waterfalls.
And oh, how good it felt to get fresh air. I was moving along with my writing, but the longer I feel stuck in the house, the more restless I get.
Seriously cool (pardon the pun) photos – especially the 2nd and 4th ones.
Thanks, Gabrielle! And lol, perfect pun.
I’m glad you got your hike. I love seeing the pictures of your mountain.
Thanks, Amie! Glad you enjoyed.
It’s been cold here too, and our heater went out yesterday, but the guys are installing a new one today — the outside unit which also works the A.C in summer. Luckily it was not so cold last night as it has been.
And so funny — yesterday I looked at the weather on my iPhone and it was currently 64, but showed the expected high was to be 59! ha.
And I am generally twitchy all the time, even with getting for my walks. Mostly just my eyelids, tho. And my left knee.
xoxo
Hi, Jannie! Wow, 59 — that would be a humongous heat wave to me, after the weather of the last few weeks.
It’s 30 right now, but very sunny, and the snow is starting to melt. Starting today will be a warming trend, and soon we’ll have highs in the low 50′s. For me, that’s perfect hiking weather.
Glad you’re getting a new heater.
And LOLOL at twitchy eyelids and left knee! You always give me a wonderful case of the gigglesnorts.
xoxo
Until it got into the 20F’s today, we’ve been having a long spell of those sub-z days. I’ve braved those temps for pics many times. My hands always freeze up (with the gloves on). The trick is not to stay out long.
Great pics- like the waterfall n creek- where did it go? Bet the level will rise more as the snow melts upstream. The evergreens n laurel always look great against the snow. Looks like an enjoyable hike.
I’m looking forward to 30′sF a few hours tomorrow before freezing temps again the rest of the week-
Have a good week! Here’s to unusual weather-
Hi, Snaggle! Wow, subzero. It never got quite that cold here, but close. Some nights for a low, it dropped down into the single digits. Brrrr! Well, I should clarify. On the mountains, the wind chill was most definitely below zero, many nights and some days, too.
Yup, the creek’s gonna rise as the snow melts — it’s sunny today and warmer (in the forties), and the snow is melting like crazy. And like you, I love the way the evergreens and laurel look against the snow.
Stay warm!
these are beautiful photos and we do seem to be blogging along similar lines! I love getting out into the snowy woods, a good walk is so invigorating!
Love the pictiures my (((friend))). It’s is warming here as well! Joy!
Thanks, Crafty!
The snow has been gorgeous. It’s melting now (things have warmed up here), but there’s a lot of it to melt. I love hiking in snow, but I’m glad the temps are warming up.
Hi, Kimmi, and thanks, sweet friend! Glad things are warming up for you, too. ((((((((((hugs)))))))))
That first photo is downright painterly. Something about the clouds.
Thanks, Maya! That sky really moved me, too. Love the gentle, sweeping clouds.
I love your wintery mountain. And your previous post’s shot of you bundled up for a hike. Fascinating how you can see the laurel tighten up its leaves in response to the drop in temperature.
Thanks, Julia! It’s amazing how the weather has changed in the last little bit — mid-fifties today, all snow gone, and a gorgeous day. Yes, it’s fascinating how laurel responds to weather changes. It’s at once tough, rugged, and delicate, through all seasons.
Ugh. I’ve been a slug since winter began. It’s been so chilly that all I want to do is snuggle up in my Snuggie (TM) *hee* on the couch and watch reruns. I’m sooo looking forward to the day i get a glimpse of my tulips peeking through the soil!
Your pictures are beautiful, but I shall stubbornly refuse to acknowledge the beauty of winter as I prepare to go outside and scrape off my car windows.
Bah!
*grin*, Wylie! I have a Snuggie, too. When I’m not wearing it, the Ballicai love to snuggle on it! I bet you’re buried under snow. Ours has melted, and we’ve been getting a lot of rain.
Take care and stay nice and warm!