Thursday, February 28, 2008

Willow Springs

All through this long never ending winter, all I have been able to think about is the day when we can start going back to Willow park.

Old man winter however is making it feel as though the Arctic tundra has fallen upon our shoulders, with the temperatures hovering this morning at the -15c & -26c with the windchill. More of the same is being forecast for tomorrow with temps at -18c/ - 28c.

A few days ago we were in the Norval area and decided to try and get through the snow to take a few winter pictures of the park. It’s obviously impossible for me to negotiate the snow to the park area because of my mobility impairment, so I was restricted to the parking lot area whilst my wife waded through the accumulation of snow and reached our favorite summer haunt. She sure brought back some digital treasure.

There is a remarkable difference between summer & winter that’s for sure, but just another example of the artistry and power of mother nature. How often can one find a place that provides such beauty during the summer months, and have this same place show itself to be such a rich jewel in the face of winter?

Willow Park is such a place and I described it many times during our last summer outings, which we enjoyed at every opportunity.

One would think that under the snow covered blanket and bitterly cold days that is the face of winter, there could be no attraction to the park at all.

The other day we sure found out differently. The music of the rippling, fast flowing waters of the river, danced their way upstream doing their best to entice spring to get started and bring with it the joys of this years first blooms. The snow covered woods and the banks of the river, all murmuring their approval on the whispers of the breeze, of such a long awaited event.

I’m sure Ted up at the house, ~ perhaps looking through his window, is wistfully waiting too, ready to play his music for all who would listen, as the light classical notes of the masters wend their way upon the air, flowing through the valley of the woods. Skirting the wetlands calling out to the hibernating tortoise, “Come, wake up! wake up! It’s time to start another year!”

C’ya








18 comments:

zirelda said...

Eric, the pictures are lovely. Here in Colorado it is 61 degrees and the sun feels hot on my shoulders.

I hope you get to wander through your park again soon.

Eric Valentine said...

Thank you Z, up here the changes in season are usually quite drastic, one day freezing next right into spring.... but I'm ready! :)

Right now it's -26c with the wind. :(

Janice Thomson said...

I guess I won't boast about our +9 then hee hee.
It will be nice to see your park again Eric.

Eric Valentine said...

Thank you Janice for sparing me that. haha...

There's none more eager than I, to see the park in the better weather.. :)

Leon said...

Beautiful words and pictures as usual Eric. There is something majestic in the changing of the seasons even in more moderate climates like the one in which I live. Those first signs, the first flowers, the return of new green foliage truly lifts the spirit.

Thank you! :~)

Sam!! said...

Lovely pics Eric. Well dear seasons have to change.. nothing is forever here..

Happy Spring Season Eric :)

Take care

DarkWing said...

Love the pictures again :) It's gotten down to the chilly 50's here.

zirelda said...

70 here today and snow tomorrow. I know what you mean Eric. I hope you and Elizabeth are staying warm.

Eric Valentine said...

Hi Leon. it's been a busy day.. Yes you could say that about the seasons almost anywhere. In England things are more subtle like where you are.

Here in Canada, they are more abrupt with the change, but either way I'll take it'' :))

Eric Valentine said...

Thank you Samrina, life would be pretty boring if there was only one season LOL

But I know which one I would pick. :)

Eric Valentine said...

Hi Newnorth, down to the chilly 50's eh.. I will trade for that right now.. :)

Eric Valentine said...

Hi Z, we had marginal improvement today, reached a balmy -3 windchill -9 ... Tomorrrow we get rain and plus 5c at least that will move some snow.. :)

Laurie said...

You could always move out west ;>
if you don't like the weather you just wait 15 minutes and it changes. The pictues of the last few days were fantastic. I always enjoy catching up - now I just have to read my emails.

virtual nexus said...

Eric, lovely photos - hope the change to spring comes fast. You should have seen our icy sky and dramatic sunset clouds tonight - very cold snap and snow coming shortly.

Eric Valentine said...

Hi 'L' haha that's cute.. :)

Move out west eh.. Sounds nice but... :)
Glad you like the pics, I'm still struggling here but quite busy too right now. :)

Eric Valentine said...

Hi Julie, still flying here, I hate this time of the year, it's busy busy busy... Paperwork, as well as tax time then of course to cap it all there's Winter! ... Still!!

Got another foot of the dreaded stuff last night & more slated for this Friday.. Will it ever end.. :)

Glad you like the pics Julie, yours are pretty good also, I have to get back in here soon.. :)

zirelda said...

We got more snow today too Eric and more tomorrow. Winter doesn't want to go home...

Eric Valentine said...

Yep Z, looks like another good un coming in, that's three in the last ten days again.. Grrrrrrrrrrr.. :(