Our west coast weather of late has taken quite a turn! We’ve had bitter cold winds and the past two days a good dump of snow.
Normally known as the Bahamas of Canada, BC had been hit by a little of that polar vortex effect that’s been back east.
Our conditions didn’t come close to comparing to what they endured of course! But for us over here, we got cold. 😉
When it snows, I don’t normally head to the trails. Even for walks.
My road is generally one of the last to get plowed, so we can be socked in pretty good. I realize I have a 4×4 truck, however that doesn’t mean I like using it for all the reasons they are built! It gets me out of binds now and then, but for the most part I like to stay put when driving conditions turn iffy.
And then once our road is good to go, the snow is nearly gone.
However, I happened to hit a nice day last winter where the roads were good yet there was still snow everywhere. That rarely happens!
So on my way home from town, I purposely stopped at a trail parking lot to check it out during snowy conditions and took these pictures.
And boy, was it a different world than what I am use to seeing!
As I trudged along the deep snow in my cozy yet somewhat clumsy boots, it slowed me down. Way down. But at a speed that I could totally appreciate every snow-filled nook and cranny.
A soothing collection of blues off the water, sky and snow reflection absolutely stole the show against the woodsy trees.
After a little ways, I was getting tired. Walking in deep snow is hard work! So I made my way to a bench to just sit and stare at the view.
With everything so peaceful, calm and beautiful, it was actually a very therapeutic adventure. And something I’m going to make a point of doing again soon.
While I love a great snow fall these days, I didn’t use to always feel like this. The snow or the cold use to clutch me in fear…
Once upon a time, snow and cold shut down my partner’s work temporarily, which cut off our pay check until the weather improved.
It was a scary time because we were mortgaged up to the hilt. I use to really count pennies paying bills when those challenging times hit.
I use to watch the highway through a forest grove to see if it was moving. If it wasn’t going well, that would mean I’d have a very challenging time getting to work as well.
Luckily I didn’t always dread snow. When my son came along, we two would make a point of getting out there and play for hours under the yard light at night, because by next day, it was generally gone.
My son gave me a call today and shared a memory of us sleighing down one of the hills just down the road from me. I had forgotten! That made me smile. He’s really excited about snow because all his memories are very special and dear.
And I’m happy to say, these days a snowfall makes me happy as well. Working from home turns a snowfall into an adventure and a great photo opportunity!
And of course, growing up when we weren’t responsible for things going wrong (like milk freezing in the tanks or the milk trucks not being able to get to the barn), the power going out and all of us huddled around the kitchen table by candlelight playing board games over the sounds of ice burdened branches crashing on the frozen snow) became one of my favourite memories to date!
As long as I’m well stocked with food (you only run out of coffee cream once!) the truck is gassed up and a big ‘ol water jug in the fridge should the power go out, I’m ready for any of it.
It’s just a very good feeling to be able to welcome anything that comes at this stage of the game.
As pretty as this past snowfall was, I’m secretly glad our winters don’t last that long here. One blast and I’m happy!
And since we’ve officially been hit…
…. I’m ready for spring now. 🙂
Do you like it when it snows? What good memories does it bring you?
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You can catch other pretty snow stories HERE
And many more magical trail rides HERE
How sweet that your son has such beautiful memories, and that’s because of you! I am sooo ready for Spring. We had an ice storm a couple days ago and then a dusting of snow after, so now there’s hidden ice everywhere. I don’t mind the snow as that can be shoveled or a snowblower used (I kind of like using the snowblower – its fun). I’m ready for a change 🙂
I had my last child when I was 39. It was my delight to sled with her. Now waiting on grandkids, hoping I will be able to sled with them when they are ready….but that clock is ticking! Lol
I’ve really enjoyed this post! I used to live in Virginia and loved walking in the snow covered woods that surrounded our home but I’ve moved to Louisiana and I really miss my winter walks. Your post brought back great memories of those gorgeous walks!
Hi Donna! I live smack dab in the middle of a sandhill crane bird sanctuary, so I’m surrounded by marsh, and swamp complete with alligators. So I don’t have too many snow stories except for one. When my sons father and I were first married and young and foolish, we loaded everything we owned on the back of our truck and moved from Mississippi to Fargo North Dakota so he could get to know his dad being his parents were divorced when he was little. Well, after the first snowfall came and buried our vehicles to the roofs literally and we couldn’t even open the door to get out of the house, I knew us snowbirds were in trouble, lol. The snow never let up and I found out I was pregnant, so I was an emotional wreck and wanted my Mama! Haha! I cried the whole time we lived there until we finally hightailed it back to warmer weather back home. To this day, I have a huge dislike for snow. It’s pretty to look at but I’m just not cut out to live in it like you are. M too soft. I don’t come from strong stock, hahaha! You’re pictures are beautiful and I see why you love it there. The cold air is invigorating! I’ll just stay down here and fight off the snakes and gators, hahaha! ?
I see your point! haha Oh my goodness… what a memory!
I aspire to those that live in warm climates. I’d love to try but it has to be in a place where you don’t break out into a sweat all the time. I truly believe this Canadian girl is made out of wax! 😀
Aaai Donna, I’m a little torn right now after reading all about your snowy meanderings. Both my kids have immigrated to Canada. My son is in your neck of the woods ay UBC (that’s close right?) and my daughter is all the way on the other side in Ontario. As a mom who’s never touched or even seen snow in real life, the white fairy tale world fascinates me. I’m a little jealous coz you all get to experience it, but at the same time, I’m not sure if I’d be able to handle it for more than a few hours. My South Africa blood will probably freeze up. It does look so incredible though. If I may ask you a huge favor. Next time you’re out and about, please blow a small kiss to the east and west for my kids and whisper in the wind that their mom misses them like crap. They might just get it quicker than the ones I’ve been sending them from Africa
You’ll see from my post this week that I got out and enjoyed it’s beauty, too…along with all my junk;) I was up to my knees in it! Glad you got to enjoy some of the white stuff; it definitely makes for pretty pics! That shot of the fern covered tree…now that’s something we never see around here! Totally cool:)