Winter Glower
Unusually, I stopped by the lakefront for a second time in a weekend. We were between winter storms this afternoon and travels gave me the opportunity to stop and take in the scene. A cold wind was coming in from the north and clouds glowered overhead. Out over Lake Erie, dark streamers connected clouds and open waters — snow, no doubt — against an eerie backround of colored light. We did not stay long.
Walk in the Park
Icewaves: Lake Erie at the End of January 2014
I wouldn’t mind living near Lake Erie; I mean, living really close to the lake. Most probably don’t notice that it’s different every day. Differences may be quite subtle but they’re there. The shape, darkness, and color of the clouds changes all the time, sometimes rapidly and sometimes almost imperceptibly. The lake, even when frozen, reflects changes in lighting over its vast canvas. I go look at our nearest Great Lake whenever I can and am never disappointed. Sometimes the sights can be awe-inspiring. Sometimes the view is calming. The lake is always changing and I am glad to be able to see it.
The Spot
I was feeling rather out-of-sorts today. Between work commitments and some fairly severe weather, it’s been a long time since I’ve been able to get out and enjoy the winter scenery. Today started out with that old “trapped” feeling — call it cabin fever — but as the snow stopped (for a while) and the temperature rose to a toasty 15F, we made our escape. Visiting the beautiful Brecksville Reservation of Cleveland Metroparks was a life-giving tonic. Deep, pristine snow covered the ground and evergreens. Snow lined the branches of winter-bare trees. Chippewa Creek, deep within its rocky gorge, was ice and snow covered, softening its rugged beauty. Soft light filled the quiet woods. We trudged along a path breathing in the clean, cold air, soaking in the beauty of the day. Camera in hand, I shot a few photos along the way (more than I thought … 90+ pictures) and that contributed to the experience. We couldn’t stay out for long, as She Who Must Be Obeyed was getting painfully-cold toes, but it was long enough: a good dose of spiritual tonic.
Gloom and Ice Close In
Gloom and ice pile ashore on a cold day in January. Mountains of fractured lake were pushed on to the beach by strong winds. Low clouds, colored with despair, fill the sky and soul. An other-worldly stage is set by the forces of nature. Close your coat tight. Turn your back to the ice world. Seek shelter. Gloom and ice close in.
Bracing Against the Cold
It has been a rough day or two for those of us affected by the blast of frigid air ushered in by the “polar vortex.” These are also tough times for wildlife, often determining who survives into springtime. Today someone excitedly called my attention to a flock of American Robins. A dozen or so birds had gathered near some windows; they were alternately picking fruit from neighboring Hawthorne trees and sheltering themselves from the brutal wind along the building’s wall. A thaw is coming in a couple of days. I hope the birds can tough it out ’til then.
Sheltering American Robins
Cirrus Clouds in the Evening Sky
The sky cleared for a while Sunday afternoon and evening, providing us a break in the recent long string of gray, wet, and chilly days. As the sun set beautiful cirrus clouds graced the western sky.
Clouds the Color of Rust
Though the day’s grand sunset was blocked by trees from our direct view, we did receive an extraordinary and beautiful gift. High-altitude clouds, lit by near-full sun, were bright and white while scudding along under them, low clouds were stained in rusty tones by rays of sunset-tinted light.
Colorful Couds at Sunset
The sight was typically short-lived as clouds dissolved into darkness and overcast again overtook us. For a shining moment, however, the sky was filled with multi-colored clouds.
Now Boarding: The Polar Express
On a jaunt through the countryside, we stopped by Peninsula, Ohio known these days at The North Pole. Peninsula is the center of the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s annual Polar Express excursion rides. Children from all around, many wearing pajamas, ride the train through the snowy countryside entertained both on the train and at trackside by costumed staff. Buildings and objects near the line are decorated and renamed, recalling scenes from Chris Van Allsburg’s wonderful book. At the “North Pole” train station, the tracks are lined by wreath-decorated antique-style streetlights. The whole scene is pretty even by day, and said to be enchanting by night. While steam enthusiasts may be disappointed that a 2-8-4 (Berkshire) locomotive isn’t heading up the train, it’s a wonderful time nonetheless.
Sidetracked
Ice/Flow
The place where land and water meet is transformed at this time of year. The waters of Lake Erie are rolling free and fluidly but at the shoreline, things change. Objects on shore, some already coated with snow, are wet with spray become anchors for ice. Snow-heavy clouds hang low, block the sun, and turn the world monochrome. Winter is yet to come though its shadow runs ahead.
Last Color
Autumn is in full-force. Mornings may be frosty and the light softened by cloud. Colors have faded from the brilliance of a couple of weeks ago to, now, browns and deep orange — where leaves are to be seen. Many, maybe most trees have dropped their leaves now drained of chlorophyll and useless to them. This morning was crisp, clear, and dim; beautiful in its own way.
A Fine Day to be Stuck Indoors
I thought fall foliage color hit peak a week or so ago but this is an extended season. Even after recent winds and rains there are plenty of colorful leaf-covered trees catching today’s sunshine. It figures, I’m stuck indoors today. I did, however, sneak out long enough to shoot a couple of photos.
Closer-In Leaves Aflame with Color
PhotonStopper 