Silence
Again, we had overnight snow. Followed by icy drizzle. So far this winter season of 2007-08 we have had so much snow that we've broken the previous recorded total snowfall for the winter of 1970-71 in the National Capital region; likely in the Ottawa Valley altogether.
We've experienced the usual thaw-and-freeze in January that traditionally reduces the snow pack that had accumulated, and for that we were grateful, since it became worrying, the amount of snow sitting on rooftops. The National Capital Commission had issued a press release that the Rideau Canal skate rink had been temporarily closed.
Only temporarily, to be re-opened and re-groomed later in the day. A longer closure would most surely have an inimical effect on the many people making their way downtown to take pleasure in the ice sculptures and the snowscaped slides that delight children in the park designed for their winter pleasure, during Winterlude, Ottawa's winter celebration.
When we looked out the side door this morning (shaking out the breakfast tablecloth) there was a track left by a raccoon; unmistakable, its splayed foot rambling along the sidepath leading to the backyard gate. Our neighbourly raccoons do so much love our composters. It was still raining light slanting daggers of ice when we left the house for a morning ravine walk. The road was deep and slushy with the remnants of the snow and rain recently fallen.
Once in the ravine, and dipping down toward the trail junctions, the sight of the trees on either side was breathtaking. Crows flew high above, circling the trees. There was a slight mist rising from the newly-ice-released creek. A mantle of crystalline snow embraced the landscape in its deep muffler of snow. But for the sound of our boots sinking into the snow-replenished trail all was still, softly still.
Trees and shrubs again heavily burdened, beautiful beyond memory's fleeting capacities entrance us with their fragile grace. Laden evergreen boughs glance heavily across the trail, sweetly denying upright access. They swiftly relent, when a gentle prod releases their burden, and they swing docile to our command, upright again.
The plush loft of the snow reduced only marginally by the freezing rain. A dainty chenille pattern can be seen dippling the snow, texture only marginally affected.
We've experienced the usual thaw-and-freeze in January that traditionally reduces the snow pack that had accumulated, and for that we were grateful, since it became worrying, the amount of snow sitting on rooftops. The National Capital Commission had issued a press release that the Rideau Canal skate rink had been temporarily closed.
Only temporarily, to be re-opened and re-groomed later in the day. A longer closure would most surely have an inimical effect on the many people making their way downtown to take pleasure in the ice sculptures and the snowscaped slides that delight children in the park designed for their winter pleasure, during Winterlude, Ottawa's winter celebration.
When we looked out the side door this morning (shaking out the breakfast tablecloth) there was a track left by a raccoon; unmistakable, its splayed foot rambling along the sidepath leading to the backyard gate. Our neighbourly raccoons do so much love our composters. It was still raining light slanting daggers of ice when we left the house for a morning ravine walk. The road was deep and slushy with the remnants of the snow and rain recently fallen.
Once in the ravine, and dipping down toward the trail junctions, the sight of the trees on either side was breathtaking. Crows flew high above, circling the trees. There was a slight mist rising from the newly-ice-released creek. A mantle of crystalline snow embraced the landscape in its deep muffler of snow. But for the sound of our boots sinking into the snow-replenished trail all was still, softly still.
Trees and shrubs again heavily burdened, beautiful beyond memory's fleeting capacities entrance us with their fragile grace. Laden evergreen boughs glance heavily across the trail, sweetly denying upright access. They swiftly relent, when a gentle prod releases their burden, and they swing docile to our command, upright again.
The plush loft of the snow reduced only marginally by the freezing rain. A dainty chenille pattern can be seen dippling the snow, texture only marginally affected.
Labels: Perambulations
posted by Pieface @ 5:14 PM
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