With another big chill (we are talking highs in the single digits) due to settle in by midweek, I have learned to take advantage of clear, calm days with temperatures above 20 degrees to get out and fill my tank with crisp fresh air. So today Cole and I went meandering through the Nature Preserve which is all but 3 miles from our house. We have visited several times since our move here but not yet during the quiet winter months.
Yesterday we had a dusting of new snow which carpeted what was left of our record snowfall. The untouched snowflakes sparkled in the weak January sun reminding me of the power of glare. The winter informational signs were posted and I stopped and read about the often overlooked creation and shape of the six sided wonders.
We started off on the Marsh Trail which circled around the lake. My footsteps were softened and muffled by the fresh layer of snow. Cole babbled from his perch up in the carrier, all bundled in his downy snowsuit. He has been enjoying his new ride and perspective and I have enjoyed becoming more mobile with him without the constraints of using the stroller.
As we found our pace, my movement steady, Cole quieted and within 10 minutes he had fallen asleep. I had my mind to myself to clear out the cobwebs and I took the peaceful opportunity to make many an observation.
The trail looped over the lake in places via a boardwalk. Only three months ago, the cattails that surrounded the water were swaying in the autumn breeze. Now they were frozen in place as the lake was a block of ice, literally. Their once smooth brown bodies now frayed and swollen with their innards puffing out like an old couch loosing its stuffing. The creak of the boardwalk was now not the give and take of the floats that kept it above water but of my weight pressing the wood against the icy surface.
The big looming trees looked frail and weary posing stark and naked against the winter sky. The newly fallen snow lay punctured on the sharp brambles and branches, their hardness to protect those who would turn supple and green again in the spring.
As I continued on up the Pine Trail and we made our way through the trees, the trail was less traveled and the footprints of the wood's critters were visible; deer, fox, rabbit. I looked around and wondered where they all were hiding as there were few places to remain incognito.
The sound of my breath and my foot falls were all the noise that existed. No birds chirping, no water lapping, no wind whistling. Just the quiet and solitude of a winter day.
Cole began to awake with a few adorable sighs as if he knew our hike was coming to an end. As he began to chatter we engaged in conversation about all the things that I wanted to teach and show him about the wonders of nature and how some day I hoped that he would enjoy getting out whatever the season to enjoy some fresh air!
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