It’s now mid-February. We are closer to Spring than the start of winter. While there is still lots of winter weather to deal with, if you stop and pause, you can feel the strength in the sun. The days are growing longer and the temperatures are gradually improving. In other words, things are brighter and more hopeful these days.
Here in the “Merry Times” (east coast of Canada), we know how to enjoy each season as it arrives. My home province of New Brunswick is more rural than urban – so far. Those of us who live in the country can see and feel the subtle changes in the air – the weather, the warmth of the sun – even when it’s cut with a North wind. Spring is on its way, but in the meantime, people get to enjoy the current season for what it has to offer.
Last weekend, I joined several members of our local camera club (#KennebecasisValleyCameraClub) for an outing to capture images of people enjoying a beautiful mid-winter day on the ski hill, Poley Mountain, just outside my home town of Sussex. It was a perfect day – sunny and cold, but with very little wind. We found an assortment of spots to shoot from and really enjoyed watching everyone having a great time in the snow. I came home with a few hundred images. (Don’t worry, I won’t post them all.)
Skiers and snow boarders came in all ages and sizes. From senior citizens with obvious skills, to toddlers learning the basics, and every age in between, smiles were the watchwords of the day!
Closer to home, there was action in our neighbouring hay fields as well. The local snowmobile club has a trail that runs across three fields and leads off into the woods. The farmer who owns those fields is preparing for spring by delivering mountains of frozen cow manure into the fields to be spread to fertilize the summer crops. Last year, we had very little snow (and limited winter sports as a result) and virtual drought conditions during the summer, so it was not a productive year for hay. Fields that normally yielded three cuts in a season were lucky to get one or two last year. The snow this year will provide much-needed moisture in advance of spring rains as it thaws and soakes deep into the ground, slowly.
Long shadows on the snow created interesting images as I wrapped up my winter wandering that day. Being outside, even on a nippy day, is good for the mind and the body. Don’t hibernate and be a grumpy bear – go out and breathe deeply. It will feel wonderful.
Capturing Cherished Memories 