It's hard to avoid talking about or photographing all the snow that's been around here lately and it has become part of daily life over the last week, they say there's more to come tomorrow. With this in mind we got the car out of the garage for the first time in a week and went shopping. It is good to know that the car is full of petrol and larder is full of food (for us, the cats and the birds) ready for another snowbound weekend. We've had one or two walks out in the snow over the last few days, just to the local park and local town and back, but we decided we'd like to walk again today so found ourselves wandering around the lakeside at Trentham gardens.
It was a little slippy underfoot in some places on the footpaths so we drifted to the grass verges and followed the deer tracks at the side of the lake.
The lake was mostly frozen over just a few places against the edges where the water birds were congregating.
The heron above looked as if it had caught a gull probably because it couldn't catch fish but it wasn't sure what to do with it.
It was bitterly cold and my fingers were tingling as I had to keep taking my gloves off to feel the camera's button. I must get some of those fingerless gloves!
It was half past noon and there was still that 'early morning' cold feel in the air
It was also slightly misty under the trees.
The dragonflies were still in place
As were the fairies.
It was lovely to walk in such a beautiful winter wonderland but now I'm glad to be in the warmth of home again.
Edit - Friday 25th Jan - I've just heard that the Lakeside Walk at Trentham is closed today because the paths are too slippy so we were lucky to get around there yesterday.
Edit - Friday 25th Jan - I've just heard that the Lakeside Walk at Trentham is closed today because the paths are too slippy so we were lucky to get around there yesterday.
I am looking forward to thaw - the whole month of January has been in a deep freeze here in Utah. I am glad I missed the first week being in California but it's starting to get to me now. I dream of heading for Arizona.
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing your deep freeze is far worse than ours, Ruth. No wonder you long for warmer climes:)
DeleteA wonderful nature walk Rosie although I would be sad about seeing the gull! I have really missed my daily walks and have only ventured as far as the local shop all week. We have milder temperatures and rain arriving here over the next few days and I am glad of the change!!! Your photos are stunning and sum up the day perfectly. The little robin adds a welcome touch of colour. x
ReplyDeleteThanks, Simone. I felt so sorry for the gull too, it was just in the wrong place at the wrong time but equally I felt for the heron who was desperate enough for food to kill something it couldn't swallow. Nature can be cruel sometimes:)
DeleteI love the photo of the tree by the lake - really atmospheric! Jx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jan - the lighting was quite something around the lake:)
DeleteGorgeous photos.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Amanda:)
DeleteThese photos are fabulous Rosie! Didn't know there was more snow coming,not much I hope. Have you tried yaktraks? They're great on ice and frozen snow.
ReplyDeleteThey've said more snow here at least from lunchtime onwards! Haven't tried yaktraks usually my walking boots are fine in the snow but I'd put wellies on to walk around the lake and they can be a bit less gripping on the ice:)
DeleteGorgeous photos Rosie - glad you got a nice walk out xxxx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Diane - it was nice to walk out and about and not just down to the shops or park:)
DeleteFab photos. I particularly like the one with the heron and the gull!
ReplyDeleteJune
Thanks, June - it is quite dramatic isn't it? It was such a long way off in the middle of the lake but my camera caught it ok:)
DeleteYour second picture took me back to living next to the lake with the geese. When it was frozen they would come in to land, flop down and go skidding across the ice. It was like watching curling - I felt I should be out with a broom to see how far they could go!
ReplyDeleteLike Simone though, I feel for the gull.
I love the thought of shoving a sliding goose along the ice with a broom! I felt for the gull too but also felt so sorry for the starving heron whose instict to catch and eat made him take something he couldn't swallow as he would a fish. I guess all wildlife are struggling at the moment:)
DeleteBeautiful pictures! Naughty heron! Have a good weekend.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Abby. Poor heron must have been desperate for food - feel sorry for the gull too!:)
DeleteYour photos are stunning Rosie. I like the one of the geese on the lake as well as the Heron. I didn't realise there was more snow on the way, good job I did my food shop today. Have a good weekend.
ReplyDeletePatricia x
Thanks, Patricia - yes they say more snow, it certainly slows you down doesn't it? Hope you have a good weekend too:)
DeleteI plan to visit Trentham Gardens in the not too distant future - but I'm waiting till it warms up first!
ReplyDeleteLet me know when you do and we can perhaps meet for a coffee - don't blame you for letting it warm up first. It's lovely when the daffodils are out:)
DeleteFabulous photos and that Heron does look like he's caught the seagull! I've just looked at the forecast for next week and incredibly there is a high of 11 degrees on Tuesday....crazy!! so although snow showers today, I think by Monday it should have all gone, which I'm quite pleased about now as enough is enough and I want to be able to walk properly again!! Suzy x
ReplyDeleteThanks, Suzy. The weather is crazy but I'm pleased the weather will be ok by Tuesday. It will be good to be able to stroll out again without worrying about slipping down and breaking bones:)
DeleteI love your fairies and dragonflies and I know just what you mean about frozen finger when taking photos - fingerless gloves are the answer!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I did think about knitting some gloves without fingers but knowing me I'd still be waiting for them this time next year:)
DeleteHi Rosie,
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year! I heard that you had a lot of snow and saw some pictures on tv. Like you, we've been experiencing cold temperatures and we've had snow on the ground for a while now. Each time it starts to go, we have another snowstorm! Roll on Spring! Keep warm.
Marie x
Hi Marie, Happy New year to you too. We had another 5 inches or so last night but the sun is out this morning and everything is thawing fast - we keep hearing thuds of snow falling of fences and trees:)
ReplyDeleteUnavoidable but truly beautiful shots!
ReplyDeleteShame that cameras can't catch the "sound" of the snow.
x