Woodland Walk Part I ---------------

Here's my version of Into The Woods!

Yesterday afternoon, despite a rather chilly 35F, I decided to bundle up and 

take a much needed walk in the fresh air. I looked at the lovely photos of the 

countryside where some of you walk in all kinds of weather, often much colder than 

here, sometimes buried in snow or buffeted by freezing winds, and I felt like a wimp.

For goodness sake, the sun was shining in a clear blue sky, there was no wind to speak 

of, it was almost perfect for an exhilarating promenade, and thankfully I can still walk.

I dug out my comfy walking shoes and thick socks, pulled on knit pants, layered

 a silky Cuddl Dud top under my Antarctica fleece, pulled on a wool hat, warm gloves, 

and topped all with the heavy duty Canada Goose parka from that same Antarctic

expedition - already two years past!

I went to the neighborhood pond - first time since I took photos of it in autumn to 

share the colorful trees with you. There was an area on the far side with thin ice 

and, other than the cries from a hawk circling high overhead, it was silent and peaceful.

Above, the same view last October.

Thin ice, moss, and still golden leaves.

Fallen spiked fruits, now dry, are from the Sweet Gum tree.

A home for some animal perhaps.

I walked through the adjoining city park area encountering just two dog walkers, 

both bundled up like me - a brief "hi" and they kept walking. 

The kids' play area and soccer field were empty, two boys were skate-boarding 

on the tennis courts. . . . . . 

. . . . . and of course there were no weekend family picnics going on!

I then decided to take a trail through the woods to find something interesting to 

photograph at the far end of the pond. I loved the gentle rustle of the few leaves 
still clinging to some of the trees, and the dry crisp crunch of the carpet underfoot.

There they were, some snoozing near the bank, others preening, and a few slip sliding 

about on the ice - a dozen Canada geese along with just two pairs of beautiful Mallard ducks.

I have more pics of the fine feathered friends I found - I'll show you in Part II of my 

most enjoyable Saturday afternoon walk.

Here are two of my wonderful blog friends, both great photographers, who share their amazing country walks -
Pamela in New Brunswick, Canada. . . . .put on your snow boots and visit her at
Playing With My Camera 
Chel in England, pop across the pond to meet her at Sweetbriar Dreams where she 
walks in the blustery flat landscape of the Lincolnshire Fens, and also 
takes us on wonderful city walks around London.

Do you still get out and walk when it's cold?

Do you have a dog to walk?