Eight of us Senior Trailblazers went out for a nice easy six-mile walk around the north shore of Lake Whatcom. Maggie took this picture of us in the sunshine at the three-mile mark. From here we walked back to our starting place, a nice, flat and easy hike. It wasn't warm, though, even with all this sun. When we started it was 27 degrees F (-5 C) and probably wasn't even above freezing by the time we got back to the cars. It didn't dampen our Christmas spirits, though, as you can tell from all the smiles.
I saw these holly leaves all frosted with ice, looking quite festive. I especially like the one towards the top that was obviously previously tasted. We started walking right around 8:30am and finished by 11:00pm, so it wasn't terribly long. Once the winter sun made it up across the nearby hills, we began to see a little sunshine, but after we turned around we went back into the shadows.
We saw more of that amazing angel hair hoarfrost, and this one (on a piece of bark held up against the light) looks like cascading waves. It's amazing that even a bit of warm breath melts this fragile ice sculpture into nothing at all. It only appears on bare bark, so the cold must pull it out of the unprotected wood.
We passed this waterfall in both directions, and on the way back some of us tried to follow a narrow trail to get a better picture, but it didn't really go anywhere, and this picture taken from the main trail is the best I was able to get. If I were to come back when it was in sunshine, I might have gotten a better shot, but it's not too bad as it is.
It was a beautiful, sunshiny day right at the Winter Solstice (which occurred last night), with long shadows mixed with dappled sun keeping the air frigid. We all headed back to the Senior Center and some of us went inside for a nice warm place to have lunch, while others went out to run errands at this busy time of the year. It is a truly lovely day outside, and I know I would not have ventured out into the cold without the impetus of joining my good friends. Wishing them, and all of you, a holiday season filled with smiles and warmth.
:-)
Seems to be a cold looking series of photos. I guess it is because it is cold here and wet but so far it is still rain.
ReplyDeleteThe only thing that drags me out into the cold is having to walk the dog. That being said, it's been pretty warm here all week (50's and 60's). It's bizarre to have it so warm at Christmas.
ReplyDeleteThese photos are awesome. Your pictures just keep getting better. Thanks for sharing bits of nature I wouldn't otherwise see!
Once again, the scenery is lovely and your photos are, too. Great way to spend a morning!
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure I could have walked for 6 miles, but I'm glad it was a level, easy hike for you all. I love your photos of nature at its finest.
ReplyDeleteLooking at your photos it does look a little on the cool side. I love your last shot of the water through the trees and the dappled sunlight. It's cold over this way too but the fog finally cleared out and we have sunshine.
ReplyDeleteThat angel hair hoarfrost is amazing, I am loving your photos of this natural wonder. When the ice fog was so thick here I looked for some but never found any. Maybe it is the altitude?
oh, what a beautiful time of year to be out hiking. I remember living in upstate New York and what fun it traipsing about in the woods.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are just wonderful.
Great photos! I love all this frosty goodness. :)
ReplyDeleteYour last sentence is key. It's easier to go out when you have company. Your photos add to your description of your hike. Just think? You could put all these posts in a book!
ReplyDeleteLove the holly - makes me feel jolly!
ReplyDeletecool hike...in more way than one...smiles...the frost on the holly is really cool...looks like they are outlined...lovely scenery djan
ReplyDeleteNature captured in such a beautiful way! You sure do get to see some awesome stuff as you journey with those trailblazers. I'm just lying around with a recovering hubby hoping for a more active lifestyle soon.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful scenes from your hike, DJan. That frost is just such an incredible, intricate structure and you captured it so beautifully.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great way to celebrate the solstice.
Beautiful frosty pictures. Happy Holidays, friend!!
ReplyDeleteAn easy 6 miles...you crack me up. You're going to live to be 120. And then you'll come roaring back, eager for more.
ReplyDeleteJust beautiful. I love the waterfall and the angel hair hoarfrost, and most of all I love your happy faces.
ReplyDeleteThe frosty holly leaves are quite Christmasy, but I have to say I have fallen in love with the angel hair hoarfrost!! It is absolutely magical!!
ReplyDeleteGreat little waterfall and you all do look like you had a wonderful time. Such good company on a winter's day. Blessings to you, dear lady!! You've been a blessing to me this year. Merry Christmas! :)
Okay.....I'm in my 6th decade of life, and I must admit I've never seen angelhair hoarfrost before. But oh my goodness, its beauty just takes my breath away. And love the variegated holly leaves. Beautiful. What a special treat for us that you took us along on your hike.
ReplyDeleteHappy Christmas and Merry New Year.
My Friday Fragments
PS...here is the link to the Geico Gecko in Texas.
ReplyDeleteLOL
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QTTDCe5_FA
Again your pictures amaze me sweetie. The picture of the 'hoarfrost' (I still blush a bit when I say that) is just stunnin'!!!
ReplyDeleteI looked like a majestic hike!
God bless ya and have a beautiful Christmas surrounded by the ones you hold near and dear.
MERRY CHRISTMAS YA'LL!!! :o)
The angel hair hoarfrost has a "cool" name and an interesting origin. I haven't encountered this one before and the picture is outstanding. That alone would be worth walking six miles.
ReplyDeleteLoved your frosty photos..the Holly is so pretty. Another good hike! I wish you and your Smart Guy a very Merry Christmas! :)
ReplyDeleteI've never seen angel frost before. Isn't it wonderful! and your picture captured the wonder perfectly. That walk looked like one even I could manage on a good day!
ReplyDeleteHappy Christmas to you and Smart Guy.
This is a hike I would have truly enjoyed! We battled fog here most of Thursday. I did get out for an hour walk in the sunshine in the afternoon before the fog rolled back in.
ReplyDeleteDJan, we are off to hike this morning, except ours will be campground and town. he,he We call it our In Town and round aboot the Bay Hike, eh.
ReplyDeleteLoved your "Angel Hair Frosty" and especially the frost on the Holly - NICE, NICE, NICE
Happy Holiday Season DJan
Merry Christmas DJan!
ReplyDeleteMy goodness, I fall behind in reading my favorite blogs lately.
ReplyDeleteThe sun is out here too and expected again tomorrow. A small amount of snow is left on the ground and it is not slippery to go walking. I hope to have a nice walk around town today.
Enjoy your Christmas eve and your day tomorrow, however you celebrate it.
I love the frosty holly
ReplyDeletebeautiful
you always find something wonderful to share
Happy Holidays
and a big hug from me and Hope
Frost on the holly and hoarfrost? Sounds very cold to me!!! I don't think I've been on a hike when it was beklow freezing... brrrr!!! But looks like the cold brought out some pretty sights! :O)
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas DJan!