Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Winter Wonderland of 2014

Winter once again grips Elmira Pond in a glorious winter wonderland. Ice cycles form like spun sugar and snow heaps in piles white as salt. Trains trundle past, trailing snow like dust and eagles wheel in a goose-less blue sky. Clouds stall at attention in the presence of a cold snap as if standing by for marching orders. Not a vapor breathes from the pond. Crisp. Clear. Cold.

Elmira Pond is frozen champagne.

From my Rocky Mountain tamarack bog in northern Idaho, I toast 2014 farewell. Thank you for another year in what is still paradise--a place of rest and hope. I open my arms to welcome the bold embrace of 2015 and I dare to say to all, dream big! It feels like a good batch of bubbly coming on!

A look at the final day of 2014 on Elmira Pond:



























10 comments:

  1. Wow! You are an amazing photographer! A woman of many talents. As I read your post I loved your description on your pond...frozen champagne. While browsing through your pictures I was homesick for the mountains again. It is truly a place of beauty and rest.
    My family and I wish you and your's many blessings in 2015.

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  2. The better the scenery, the better my photography. ;-) Thank you checking out the winter wonderland. I have plans to offer a room for a writer's retreat because these mountains and this pond are peaceful and inspiring. Keep that in mind (room is free, you just have to get here). And may you and your family be so blessed in 2015, too!

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  3. These photos are gorgeous, Charli. I can't imagine that degree of cold. I have never experienced it. My New Year's Eve was very warm, but that's what we expect. I wish you great times in 2015.

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    1. It is snowing again, but as I like to point out, it "warms up" to snow! When the cloud cover leaves, that's when the chill factor drops! I'm imagining the warmth of your New Year!

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  4. Love your photos Charli! Wishing you a very happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.

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    1. It was such a clear day and fresh snow. More on the way! Thank you and may your New Year be all that and more!

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  5. oh wow, what fabulous pictures. Elmira is stunning... from indoors. I bet, if the wind blows, it can rip the skin off your face. But boy would I love a tramp out there. And as one of my heroes Alfred Wainwright, the Lake District's master walker, said 'there's no such thing as bad weather, only unsuitable clothing'. Have a good one Charli...

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    1. The wind can take my breath away, that's for certain! But so true, if you are dressed for the occasion the weather is always fine. Having lived in Minnesota, I grew accustomed to the bitter cold and learned to layer. Here, I layer and I actually get too warm! I have to dress for wet and then it's a fun tramp. Thanks, Geoff!

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  6. 'A big batch of bubbly coming on!' Oh I love that Charli, and I raise a glass to you, for your 'frozen champagne pond' and to a beautiful year ahead. Your photos are gorgeous, I love the snow and you capture it's serenity and clarity perfectly. Keep warm and wrapped up and a hearty cheers to you...and if I could I would be right over to play in the snow with you :-)

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    1. The snow is so wet and heavy that it's become slippery like walking on a bar of soap! I looked like I've gotten into the bubbly, having trouble standing upright while taking the dogs for a reluctant walk. It's deep when you have have to shovel a potty spot for two tall German Short-haired Pointers! :-) Thanks for stopping by!

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