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Tag Archives: ice

Rocks Water Ice

And dogs. I had to go to the Okanogan to do some business yesterday and a friend suggested a short field trip to look for birds. I could hardly turn it down given that there are almost no birds around here, not even at the feeders. It was nice to be somewhere that was nearly without snow although it was cold and windy and ice was forming in the littlest places. We saw a few ducks and Bald Eagles and magpies. Geology of the place is very different from here. You really should click through the photos to see the rock details. The dogs were happy to get their feet wet. I did not encourage them to go swimming. They also were delighted to find lots of sticks of various sizes!

Afternoon Hike

Yesterday the girls and I set out around mid-afternoon looking to stretch our legs and enjoy the fresh air. We headed up Frost Road and walked to Aspen Lake. It’s a pleasant hike in the spring and fall with great views of the valley and surrounding mountains.

We started out in warm sunshine but soon it was raining and I was grateful for my little rain jacket and wool hat. Following the rain was a terrific rainbow. Some snow remained in the shady areas and some places were very wet with water running down the trail. A few small flowers are blooming and grass is greening up. Lots, like hundreds or thousands, of Dark-eyed Juncos and some other birds. The lake is still mostly ice-covered but won’t be for long.

White-crowned Sparrow
snow melt
She’s excited to see chipmunks
Such dramatic clouds
Dead trees dancing with their shadows
Oh look, she’s got a stick.
Not a very sneaky trail cam. I hope they like pictures of black dogs.
run off
sage
shadow and light

January

And there’s another month gone by.

Scene on the ski trails
Sunflower
Aspen snags
Ice
Winged landing spot
Keeping the skis waxed
Winthrop

Snow-covered Falls Creek Falls

Last week MA and I and the four dogs skied to Falls Creek Falls. This is the same place I visited back in November when we could still drive there. Photos of that day are here. It is a very pleasant outing on classic cross country skis and during the week there was no snowmobile traffic. It is groomed for snow machines.

The falls are very frozen and also snow-covered so the interesting formations were buried. It was still quite beautiful. There was little color to the day except from Sky’s eyes and Frida’s fur.

The dogs enjoyed time on the trail and three out of four were willing to pose for a photo. Luna said no. She is an independent thinker.

We did this same trip a couple years ago when there was far less snow and Sky was still a pup. Photos from that day are here.

Cedar trees
The creek seen from the bridge downstream from the falls.

Frozen Falls Creek Falls

Yesterday was a lovely day to visit Falls Creek Falls. It is a short drive from Winthrop and I love to see it in any season. Never mind that the temperature was probably hovering around ten or that the sun had already descended beyond the mountains. The falls were incredibly beautiful and partially frozen and we could drive to the trail. So far there is not enough snow to close the road although there is enough that you might want four wheel drive.

Each section of the falls presented its own little vignette of ice and water. It was hard to decide where to point my camera next and when to stop. Part of the time, my feet in their warm pack boots, were partially submerged in the edge of the creek. My tripod had ice up to the top of the first section when I was done! Cold hands brought me to a finish before I was ready to be done.

This is the creek downstream from the falls at the road.
Ken made this picture of me when I was standing in the creek.

Here is another view of the falls in winter when we had to ski to the trailhead.

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