Tuesday, January 25, 2011

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2011: Day Trip Brings Frigid Delight



The weather forecast called for a day time temperature of minus 15 degrees last Sunday.



Most people hunkered down in their homes, not daring to poke their noses out their front doors. The rebel in me, however, said,

    "Time for a day trip."

So I put on a warm jacket, hat, gloves, shirt, velvet pants, and boots and headed out. 





There's a  fairly large city within driving distance from here and I yearned to go to a few of my favorite stopping places, like Trader Joe's; Final Markdown (where I buy greeting cards at 3 for $1); and, of course, make a stop at Savers.





The vistas on the highest point of the route I was on were quite heart stopping. Ice covered entire trees, making them look like strange art pieces of a gigantic size.  Wind randomly blew wisps of snow, creating an eerie scene from the front windshield.




On the way home from my fun day, the setting sun peeked out from behind tree silhouettes. The scene made me want to stop the car and just take in the intense beauty of the scene but I didn't stop.

As the skies darkened, it felt like driving through an old-fashioned sepia photo negative. 





   


   "Wow," I said to myself. "Despite the freezing temperatures of New England, this has got to be one of the most incredibly picturesque places in which to live."

















Ice-covered trees, millions of sparkling diamonds on snowy hills, waterfalls frozen into stalagmite-like statues, and the stillness of a frozen afternoon in January are quite unforgettable.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF WINTER?


18 comments:

  1. Wow. Those are some cold temperatures. I don't think I've ever experienced temps like that. Those are some awesome pictures. My favorite part of winter is being able to cuddle under mounds of blankets when I go to bed. I don't know why I love that so much.

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  2. Lovely images, Susan, and sounds like you had a wonderful day. The best part of winter is when it is over. :) I actually don't mind spring and fall temps (70's) but around here, concrete buildings, no trees to buffer the winds, no central heat -- sure makes even the slightest cold seem bone chilling. 50 can feel like 30! My kids think I am crazy! Wishing you a warm and wonderful day. We have clouds again and they say they will stay through the weekend. Never know. Take care! Tammy

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  3. I see you were out also today...i need to get out every day when I can and the stores and mall are only a few miles. I like a good movie on some days.. when I'm stuck inside.

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  4. Stunning photos, Susan! What an absolutely beautiful day to get out and about! You are a darling for sharing your beautiful drive with us!

    Cheers!
    Tina

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  5. I have to agree with you, New England is gorgeous! My favorite part of winter - the last day! LOL!!!

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  6. Lovely photos, Susan. My favorite part of winter is that we actually have one here in Southeast Texas. I can't imagine -15 degrees. I've visited parts of the country when it was that cold (no thanks), but I'm happy with the occasional 20's and 30's we have. And may favorite part of that is getting to wear wonderful warm clothes and boots!

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  7. I can not imagine getting out in that cold, Susan. -3 has been lowest here this winter and I was miserable. However, I will admit that sometimes it is warmer outside in no wind that sitting in the house. However, like others, I hunker down in January...

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  8. Hi Susan, I love your picture of the sky. It is so perfect! Great Eye!

    My favorite part of winter is not sweating! lol I live in the desert. But you knew that.

    *hugs*

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  9. Hi Susan

    Just made it in to work - I'm the only one here? Hmmm makes me think I should have stayed home because of the snow - they haven't even plowed our parking lot!!! We have about 3 inches and are expecting about 6 more.

    We'll see! My favorite part of winter is the snow!!!
    Leann

    Stay warm!
    Leann

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  10. Winter for Guatemala equals/means rain. Tons of rain! hurricanes, landslides and flooding, so there's actually all bad and disastrous. But if I was to seek something positive in it, I think how lush and green nature gets is definitely something I love about the rain.
    Beautiful pictures! and gorgeous skies!! up in NH. Thanks for sharing.
    have a wonderful day!

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  11. You were brave- good for you. My favorite part of winter - is that spring is right around the corner. lol

    sandie

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  12. Beautiful photos. A little cold for me though! I love the way the bare trees form lacy patterns in the sky!

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  13. Your part of the world is definitely different than mine, but I love it too! Sometimes I feel like I live in a place with four seasons including snow. Your photos are really picturesque! Thanks for checking out my world.
    -marie

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  14. WOW, Susan that is beautiful! I want to live there too. It doesn't really get cold here in San Antonio, Texas. When it's a cloudy day, I pretend it's cold out. LOL! I have missed you!

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  15. Beautiful pictures, Susan.

    What's my favorite part of winter? When it's OVER!

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  16. Great photos of our beautiful New England winters. My favorite part of winter is right in the middle of a snow storm and my fireplace is roaring. There is soup on the stove and cookies in the oven.

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  17. I don't have snow in winter unless I drive a couple hours to the mountains and I haven't done that in over thirty years....my favorite part is that it's not where I live....

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  18. Hello Susan
    What beautiful photos! My favorite part of Winter is the hoar (spelling?) frost on the trees.

    Wanda

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