Gentle?

Last weekend I walked through Van Horne Park looking for interesting things to photograph. I normally visit the park in the spring and summer when the air is sweet with the scent of flowers and aroma of backyard grilling. I thought that perhaps it would be different in the winter. It is.

Van Horne Park spans Rocky Hill and Montgomery Township and features walking trails, baseball and soccer fields, and two large climbing structures for children. The park is accessible from Route 1 via the Princeton North Shopping Center. I chose to enter via the gate on Princeton Avenue.

Stepping from the car, a harsh cold wind blew mercilessly against my face. I could feel it penetrate my long wool coat. I stopped to photograph the grasses and brush.

Van Horne Park — FujiFilm X-T2 + Fujifilm XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (16 mm, f/5.6, ISO400), Copyright 2019-01-06 Khurt-Williams
Van Horne Park — FujiFilm X-T2 + Fujifilm XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (53.3 mm, f/5.6, ISO400), Copyright 2019-01-06 Khurt-Williams
Van Horne Park — FujiFilm X-T2 + Fujifilm XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (51.6 mm, f/5.6, ISO400), Copyright 2019-01-06 Khurt-Williams

Nature gives to every time and season some beauties of its own; and from morning to night, as from the cradle to the grave, it is but a succession of changes so gentle and easy that we can scarcely mark their progress., Charles Dickens

Van Horne Park — FujiFilm X-T2 + Fujifilm XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (55 mm, f/4.0, ISO400), Copyright 2019-01-06 Khurt-Williams
Van Horne Park — FujiFilm X-T2 + Fujifilm XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (55 mm, f/4.0, ISO400), Copyright 2019-01-06 Khurt-Williams

When the cold was too severe, I walked around the pathway hoping that the movement would warm me. Along the path, I saw a sign that the park was not maintained over the winter and that I should use at my own risk. I could see the wind agitate the top of water puddles. I turned my back on the wind and captured some images of the farmhouse in the distance.

Van Horne Park — FujiFilm X-T2 + Fujifilm XF16-55mmF2.8 R LM WR @ (55 mm, f/8.0, ISO400), Copyright 2019-01-06 Khurt-Williams

When I had had enough, I briskly walked back to my car. It was time to go home to the gentle warm caress of my fireplace.

Author: Khürt Williams

A human who works in information security and enjoys photography, Formula 1 and craft ale. #nobridge