Trouncing Around In The Snow

By ( 86 )

I had never really planned on doing a post strictly on photography.  There are so many tremendous photographers that I follow with such AMAZING pictures, that I have always been hesitant to do a “picture post”.  🙂

But when Karen, from Fill Your Own Glass, shared a couple of pictures of a sunset and palm trees from where she lives on the coastal south east United States from her old iPhone 4, I was blown away on how beautiful they were (and a bit envious of those palm trees) and commented that to her.  She replied “that she would love to go trouncing around in the snow”.  So this is for you Karen.  Grab your hiking boots, and let’s go for a leisurely trounce in the snow, just outside the village where I live.  And anyone else who would like to join us, please feel free to come along.   🙂

DSCF6175

Pine re-plantation forest.

On the one side of my village is forest, some is in private ownership, and some is what is known as County Forests.  Much of it has been replanted in pine plantation, with pockets of hardwood forest like what is found in My Secret Valley, a 15 minute walk through the pine re-plantation, and there are also some fields that are regenerating themselves with trees, seeding themselves from the nearby forests.

Snow covered pines, self seeded from nearby pine forests.

Snow covered pines, self seeded from nearby pine forests.

I love the stillness in the forests in the winter, but even then, nature provides it’s own sounds unique to winter.  When it is very cold, particularly in the hardwood forests, the branches will crack and pop.  Then there is the younger beech nut trees.  The mature trees completely lose their leaves in the fall, just like any deciduous tree, but younger beech nut trees, for some reason hang onto their dead leaves.  Only in spring when new buds burst forth, do the old leaves fall off.  But even in the slightest breeze, the old dead leaves makes the most beautiful rustling sound.  I love it!

Love hearing the sound of beech nut leaves rustling in the wind. :)

Love hearing the sound of beech nut leaves rustling in the wind. 🙂

Always like to keep an eye out for wildlife.  It was pretty quiet in our trounce through the snow.  Then we hear this “tap, tap, tap, tap”.  Do you hear it?  Scanning the trees, we eventually locate the source.  It is a Downy Woodpecker.  The “Downy” is one of 9 woodpecker species native to my province of Ontario, and one of the 216 woodpecker species worldwide.  I marvel how this downy woodpecker could smell “food”, in the form of overwintering insects within this dead tree branch, even though it was -13C.  Hungry anyone?  🙂

An afternoon snack for the Downy Woodpecker! :)

An afternoon snack for the Downy Woodpecker! 🙂

Always interesting how a person might miss seeing something hiking in, but might only notice it coming out.  Such as this log.  Just a simple, fallen log, but the snow has a way of transforming it.

Almost looks like a snowman, stretched out, and having a nap! :)

Almost looks like a snowman, stretched out, and having a nap! 🙂

Hoping everyone had a great time trouncing through the snow.  Come on back, and we’ll sit by the fire and warm up with some hot chocolate!  🙂

Thanks for visiting!  🙂

~Carl~

Categories: PhotographyTags: , , , ,

86 comments ›

  1. Ritu
    February 11, 2015 • 4:07 pm

    I would happily go out photographing in the snow… If we had some!!

    Liked by 2 people

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  2. Ritu
    February 11, 2015 • 4:07 pm

    Great pictures by the way!

    Liked by 1 person

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  3. seefleckrun
    February 11, 2015 • 4:10 pm

    “I love the stillness in the forests in the winter, but even then, nature provides it’s own sounds unique to winter. When it is very cold, particularly in the hardwood forests, the branches will crack and pop. ” You just hit me right in the childhood! That used to be one of my favorite things to do… getting bundled up in my snowsuit and going for walks in the bush in the winter. I love the hollow sound that a forest in winter makes. There’s really nothing like it. Oh, and coming home to the woodstove was pretty nice too. 🙂

    I’m sure Karen will love these pics (you and I had the same feedback on her post of the palm trees!). 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

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    • theoldfellowgoesrunning
      February 11, 2015 • 4:43 pm

      Yeah we did have the same feedback on Karen’s post. I must say, they were beautiful! 🙂

      It is hard to describe that unique sound of the tree branches, but I think you hit it right on the head, “hollow sound that a forest makes”.

      Thank you so much for reading and commenting my dear friend! 🙂

      ~Carl~

      Liked by 1 person

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  4. Indah Susanti
    February 11, 2015 • 4:55 pm

    So beautiful there Carl..you are so lucky -great images too. I wish we have snow that thick.. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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  5. Lovely Sami Anne
    February 11, 2015 • 5:58 pm

    It looks amazing. I have never seen anything like that before in person. Wow.

    Liked by 1 person

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  6. the Persephone Perspective
    February 11, 2015 • 7:21 pm

    The perfect symmetry of the first shot is truly stunning. Isn’t nature so incredible to produce such splendid geometry? And I love the Ontario woodpecker–I always used to watch them with my great-grandfather, so it’s fun to see a species that I have never seen before! Thank you for sharing! 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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    • theoldfellowgoesrunning
      February 11, 2015 • 7:45 pm

      Thank you Becca so much! Yeah, the marvels of nature are really so incredible. That is so cool that you watched woodpeckers with your great-grandfather. These would be very precious memories for you. Thank you for sharing this. 🙂
      I think the Downy is the smallest native woodpecker. This would be a female in the picture. The male has a small splotch of red on the top of the head.
      Thank you for reading and commenting my friend! 🙂
      ~Carl~

      Liked by 1 person

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  7. yprior1
    February 11, 2015 • 7:26 pm

    I am ready for that hot cocoa – mmm – and each photo had a unique feel – front he brown with the leaves to the up view of the woodpecker – to thick drifts on the log…
    and two thumbs – well said with “showing” us this:
    “the snow has a way of transforming it…”

    Liked by 1 person

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  8. engelsfrance
    February 11, 2015 • 8:34 pm

    Beautiful….the beauty of nature speaks by itself…and you catch it so nicely! Well done!

    Liked by 1 person

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  9. lifeslovelylittlelemons
    February 11, 2015 • 8:49 pm

    This is so cool! I have always wanted to live somewhere it snows.. Someday it might actually happen 🙂 thanks Carl – the pics are beautiful.
    Upasana x

    Liked by 1 person

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    • theoldfellowgoesrunning
      February 11, 2015 • 11:14 pm

      Thank you so much Upasana! Hopefully experiencing snow ( and living where it snows) will happen for you. Before we were married, my wife who came from North New Zealand saw snow when she was 19. She was SOOOO excited. I can still picture the look of astonishment and delight on her face. 🙂
      `Carl~

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  10. fillyourownglass
    February 12, 2015 • 2:31 am

    Reblogged this on Fill Your Own Glass and commented:
    I asked for a virtual winter wonderland tour, and my awesome friend Carl at The Old Fellow Goes Running came through in stellar fashion! Looking at these photos and reading Carl’s commentary transported me to a place I dearly miss!

    Liked by 3 people

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  11. fillyourownglass
    February 12, 2015 • 2:33 am

    Carl, you have no idea how you have made my day! Your pictures are amazing. I feel like I was right there in those woods, happily trouncing away. Thank you for grabbing that camera and heading out! Best, Karen 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

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  12. field of thorns
    February 12, 2015 • 2:58 am

    Carl, this is a lovely follow-up post to “Groundhog Day”. Your photos are amazing, still looking awfully cold! All very interesting, and so much snow!

    I like how you described “the hardwood forests” very intriguing, especially “the younger beech nut trees” holding on to their old dead leaves, I’m sure it’s absolutely magical to hear them rustle in the breeze. Thank you for a personal glimpse into your beautiful snowy world. Please take good care and stay warm!

    Of course warm wishes,
    Pepperanne

    Liked by 1 person

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    • theoldfellowgoesrunning
      February 12, 2015 • 11:22 am

      Aww Pepperanne, thanks so much for coming along for the hike. Hope you were not too cold. You definitely have to bundle up, but once you keep moving, you do keep yourself warm.
      Thanks again for stopping by. You always leave such a wonderful, personal comment that makes my day!
      Have a great day my friend,
      ~Carl~

      Liked by 1 person

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  13. Ruchi
    February 12, 2015 • 5:58 am

    Thank you for the virtual tour 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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  14. Rachel Ann
    February 12, 2015 • 6:04 am

    Beautiful photographs! These reminded me of my childhood in Anchorage, Alaska!

    Liked by 1 person

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    • theoldfellowgoesrunning
      February 12, 2015 • 11:34 am

      Thank you so much Rachael Ann. What an incredible childhood it must have been growing up in Anchorage. Now THAT is what would be winter, with of course the days being so much shorter than what we have here in Canada.
      Thank you for the follow. I will be dropping by your blog later this evening! 🙂
      ~Carl~

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  15. natjtan
    February 12, 2015 • 2:43 pm

    Thank you for the snow pictures! I don’t get to experience much snow now or cold, cold winters. My parents live in the English countryside with amazing winter views and there are times I miss the cold and the winter light. I can completely understand where Karen is coming from as time to time I catch myself staring dreamily at snow covered forests, the Northern lights, imagining the sound of silence and crunching snow!

    Liked by 1 person

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    • theoldfellowgoesrunning
      February 13, 2015 • 12:15 am

      Thank you so much for dropping by Natalie. I think if a person has experienced winters and snow, and spends seasons away from it, they REALLY do miss the snow.

      I spent 1 winter in New Zealand (it was their summer), particularly at Christmas, it was SO different with no snow. I was always itching for “news” from Canada…..the “news” being “how cold is it and how much snow?” 🙂

      Thank you for reading and sharing your wonderful comment! 🙂

      ~Carl~

      Liked by 1 person

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  16. ccchanel41
    February 12, 2015 • 2:50 pm

    Oh, I loved this Carl. I always have loved looking at the snow. Especially beautiful pictures like this with it full on the trees. Wonderful post! I felt just like I was walking with you. I loved the little birds. Now, I do want some hot chocolate, though. I will imagine I am having some with you ❤ Have a great day, my friend.
    Much love, CC

    Liked by 1 person

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  17. Prajakta
    February 12, 2015 • 3:33 pm

    I am so jealous here!! Never ever have I really regretted not being able to experience snow – but these pictures make me stomp my foot. Lovely 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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    • theoldfellowgoesrunning
      February 13, 2015 • 12:42 am

      Oh no, my lovely Prajakta. I am so sorry this has made you jealous.

      Hopefully somehow, somewhere, we can get you to a place where you can experience snow. Out of curiosity, how close are you to the Himalayas? I am thinking that might be the closest place for you to experience snow, but probably is a long distance.

      It is interesting, some people in Canada, sometimes think too much snow, when it snows often, because we have to shovel it and drive through it. We forget that people like yourself would give anything, just to experience it. I really love walking in the snow, particularly in the woods.

      Someday my friend! 🙂

      ~Carl~

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      • Prajakta
        February 13, 2015 • 10:04 am

        Himalayas are actually the only place I have experienced snow – even spent a night during a light snowfall 🙂 Very far the mighty mountains are but make every moment count!

        I think we all suffer from “normalcy” – the beauty of the desert is now often lost on us. A break is always welcome 🙂

        Maybe one day, I wlll make a trip in snowy woods in Canada 🙂 Waiting!

        Liked by 1 person

      • theoldfellowgoesrunning
        February 13, 2015 • 10:36 am

        The word “normalcy” was the exact word I was thinking of Prajakta. And yes, experienced the desert once in Death Valley in the United States….loved it so much. Those in Death Valley were dreaming of snowy climates.
        I live where there are no mountains, and dream of the Himalayas. Go figure eh! 🙂
        And one day, do take that trip to Canada. You will LOVE it! 🙂
        ~Carl~

        Liked by 1 person

  18. Running Boston and Beyond
    February 12, 2015 • 5:54 pm

    Carl, I LOVVVVVEEEE this post!!!! I grew up in Iowa and lived there again as an adult and there really is something magical about the snow, especially running in it. It’s that cold for six months thing that got to me! Great post and thanks for sharing!!!!

    Liked by 1 person

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    • theoldfellowgoesrunning
      February 13, 2015 • 1:02 am

      Thank you so much Kelli. You definitely would experience lots of cold weather in Iowa. I live in the lee of the Great Lakes, Until they freeze over, they do moderate the temperature somewhat, and also means lots of snow.
      With the lakes now becoming more frozen, it is getting colder….more like Iowa…..-28C tonight (which is about -18F) 🙂
      This has been my 1st winter of running in the snow. A little bit slower, being careful not to slip, but it has been fun! 🙂
      Thank you for reading and commenting.
      All the best in your upcoming marathon!
      ~Carl~

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  19. The Exercise Hitlist
    February 13, 2015 • 9:53 am

    For someone who has only seen snow once in my life, this was a lovely walk through the woods and snow!!

    Liked by 1 person

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  20. Lilka Raphael
    February 15, 2015 • 12:36 am

    I loved the photos! They are really great. I love looking at the beautiful snow without feeling the cold 🙂 You should do “picture posts” more often!

    Liked by 1 person

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  22. storiesofourboys
    February 15, 2015 • 10:53 pm

    Beautiful photos and descriptions! Never hesitate to ‘do photography!’

    Liked by 1 person

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  23. walter bright
    February 17, 2015 • 8:08 am

    Wow!
    Great Pictures…
    Totally jealous… would love some of that snow here in Northern California.
    Great post!

    Liked by 1 person

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  24. Adi, the Happy Lifeaholic
    February 17, 2015 • 8:45 am

    Hello Carl,
    Hope you’re having a wonderful day.
    I just nominated you for an award over at my blog – https://happylifeaholic.wordpress.com/2015/02/17/a-humble-thl-post-awards-scholarships-and-blog-features/
    -Adi

    Liked by 1 person

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  25. carole migalka
    February 17, 2015 • 8:21 pm

    Beautiful photos I’ve never seen anything like that in the flesh you’ve inspired me to get out and do an Australian summer series with heat haze and koala sitting in our tree as the temp reaches 100 here again today 😁

    Liked by 1 person

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    • theoldfellowgoesrunning
      February 18, 2015 • 3:31 am

      Wow, it would not take long for all this snow to melt if it were 100 degrees. Thank you Carole for stopping by, and your comment.
      Looking forward to your Australian summer posts. I’ve never ever seen real living koalas or kangaroos before. Such a fascinating country! 🙂
      ~Carl~

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  26. carole migalka
    February 19, 2015 • 8:14 am

    Ok done an Aussie summer post just for u

    Liked by 1 person

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  27. suzjones
    February 21, 2015 • 8:19 am

    I can’t say that I am a fan of snow Carl, but it certainly has a way of transforming places with such beauty. Thank you for showing me around on your traipse through the snowy wood.

    Liked by 1 person

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  28. Terri Webster Schrandt
    February 28, 2015 • 4:12 am

    Beautiful photos, Carl! You are fortunate to live so close to such a beautiful forest. I had to plant some pine trees (redwoods–not the big kind) in my yard. I’m about a 30 minute drive west of the Sierra Nevada foothills.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • theoldfellowgoesrunning
      February 28, 2015 • 9:34 am

      Thank you for reading and sharing Terri. The words “Sierra Nevada” brings up very precious memories for me. THANK YOU! 🙂

      Back in 1985 (this sort of dates me….LOL) a friend and myself drove up into King’s Canyon Park, where they have those giant sequoia’s. (saw General Sherman) Such a humbling experience when you witness in person the magnificence of these trees.

      Thank you for planting those trees. Would those redwoods in your yard become giants, in say 200-300 years? 🙂

      ~Carl~

      Liked by 1 person

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  29. Sue Slaght
    March 3, 2015 • 4:57 pm

    Good for you to do a photo post. Why not these are lovely images .I especially like the reforestation photo. Quite the straight rows and makes for a lovely effect!

    Liked by 1 person

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  30. Lucy
    March 11, 2015 • 7:18 pm

    Absolutely beautiful pictures! This year I spent most of my winter in Netherlands so I missed a lot of the good old Romanian snow. When I was a kid, we used to have so much more snow, every year, especially in December. With the climate change, winter starts in January and extends into Spring. Last year we had the last snowfall in May! Crazy, but a nice surprise 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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    • theoldfellowgoesrunning
      March 11, 2015 • 7:34 pm

      Thank you so much Lucy for stopping by. Winters have definitely been changing with the climate change. It has been colder than normal this winter, meaning not an end to global warming, but just that we have had a lot of cold air come down from the Arctic. Overall our polar regions are still melting at an alarming rate. 😦
      Thank you your follow, for reading, and your wonderful comment. 🙂
      ~Carl~

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  31. Holistic Wayfarer
    April 4, 2015 • 5:27 am

    More, please. Make the shots larger. =)

    Liked by 1 person

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  32. in567
    September 22, 2015 • 9:29 am

    I just love winter woods photos, as we don’t have snow here on Guam. So my fav state to drive through is Oregon.

    Liked by 1 person

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  33. ctrlf
    October 28, 2015 • 1:31 am

    these are awesome pictures Carl. Winter in your village is beautiful. Living in Hawaii it’s something I have yet to experience 😦 hopefully one day!

    Liked by 1 person

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    • theoldfellowgoesrunning
      October 28, 2015 • 3:34 pm

      Jordan, thank you so much for stopping by. It will just be about another month until winter will set in. We have had a light dusting of snow a week ago, and it is now melted.

      I must admit, it really is very beautiful. I guess the only snow you “may” encounter in Hawaii would be on the winter summits of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. Sincerely hope some day you will get to experience snow. 🙂

      ~Carl~

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  34. sharonwraywriting
    December 13, 2015 • 11:02 am

    Great photos, Canada is such a fantastic country!

    Liked by 1 person

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  35. The Analyzed Life
    May 24, 2016 • 8:55 am

    I’ve been living in Vancouver for the past year and I experienced the first winter in my entire life without snow. These pictures bring me back to those missed snowy days. There is something so therapeutic about the snow falling at night. So calming. Lovely post. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Canuck Carl
      May 24, 2016 • 3:22 pm

      If you are used to snow this would be a huge adjustment. I had 1 winter without snow way back in 1988 when I married in New Zealand, It was their summer and it was so strange walking around in shorts.

      There is something truly magical about the snow!

      Thanks for dropping by! 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply ↓

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