More Winter: January 2010

As winter continues, at times I find myself wishing that it will never end. There is something to be said about the sights, smells and the very feel that winter instills in us. Everywhere you look, you see the ravages and harshness of winter...but if you only take the time to look closely, you will be amazed at the delicate and ever changing beauty that the cold creates. Every time I go out I see something different. In finding those things that are different, I find that I am content that in reality that some things never change.

January 21st 2010. Another stunning winter sunset.

January 22nd, 2010. I still haven't gotten tired of these.

Winter Sun over Whitefish Lake.

My good friend Devlin and I went on a brief excursion up Star Meadows and stumbled across this frozen seep. One day its here and the next its gone. Take the time to look and you might be surprised at what you will see.

It is no wonder that my fascination with water also includes ice. It is another example of "one day its here...the next it's gone." If you want to see something cool, get off your butt and go see it. You won't regret it.

Light and Dark and forever in motion. Nothing stays the same, but even things in constant turmoil will never change.

Devlin, someone who enjoys the outdoors as much as I. A good friend.

And that is that as they say. It is easy to forget what you see. A picture might be worth a thousand words but the image is as timeless as the scene it portrays...

Winter 2009 / 20010

There is really no rhyme or reason to the things that I am posting here. The common theme of this and the next few posts is nothing more than winter scenery. Winter is typically a time for slowing down and staying warm. It is also a time for activities that few people partake in. Winter is a time of peace, solitude and silence. It is also a time for being cold. Trust me...it is worth it. Snow shoeing, ice fishing, winter hiking, sledding, skiing are all excellent winter activities. I can't do them all, but the ones I do enjoy are the ones that I hope to be able to experience until the end of my days. Other than the cold...winter is my favorite time of year. Everything is pristine and timeless. There are few things on earth more beautiful than a pure white blanket of snow. Enjoy and keep warm.

Notice the foot prints. Deer, coyotes and other critters make frozen streams into highways. The snow isn't deep yet, but it is still easier going for most. It does look like one or two may have taken a swim. Not for me....

Beaver Lake. I have caught a few dozen salmon this year through the ice. Delicious fish be they smoked, canned or grilled. It is a cheap way to put food on the table and a fun way to tolerate the cold and pass the time.

Something Different...Something Regal

Though this isn't the best picture in the world, I still find it entrancing. The snow that is caked to the branches appear almost lifelike. It is almost as if the tree is trying to remember warmer times. Though you cant see it...it was actually snowing VERY hard while I was taking these pictures. I love the light that streetlamps put out.

More of the same with a different filter setting. By letting in a little more light, things become harsher and crisper but no less interesting. Again...not a great photo, but still worth pondering.

Tea Kettle Mountain and a peek into West Glacier...

A near miss. I decided to cut across this small river while snow shoeing one evening. The snow wasn't the greatest, but the 18 or so inches of fresh powder was still fun to tramp through. While following the river and looking for a "safe" spot to cross I mis-judged and almost got myself in trouble. Not a foot in front of me, the ice suddenly fell in. Two steps back and off to higher ground for me. It would be a little tough to swim with snow shoes on and it would be even harder to breath while being drug under the ice in the grips of a frigid river.