Not Yet Spring Walk

A late afternoon walk on the Lawrence-Hopewell trail.

The day after my not-yet-spring hike, I had planned on doing another hike. Bhavna and Kiran wanted to join me. Bhavna suggested we try the Rocky Brook trail in East Amwell Township, but the rock crossing over the stream crossing was flooded with water from the melting snow when we arrived. It was too deep to cross without getting ice-cold water up past the ankles. There several rock crossings on the trail; one slip and the hike would be over. They were disappointed, and we concluded that most of the other hiking nearby trails would be the same.

I suggested that we reschedule hiking for a dryer day and instead walk the paved pathway near the Mount Rose Distillery section of the Lawrence-Hopewell trail would be best under the circumstances. We would still get a chance to be outside, stretch our legs and enjoy the late afternoon light. There was no parking at the Lawrence-Hopewell trailhead, so we parked at the Mount Rose trailhead. We slogged through the mud-covered snow and soggy grass along the short trail that connects the Mount Rose trail to the Lawrence-Hopewell trail.

The Lawrence-Hopewell trail is an in-and-out mixed-use trail for walking, jogging and biking. We passed many maskless walkers out with their canine companions. The trail is covered with asphalt and lined with trees and shrubs, with some areas passing through a natural grass wetland. Sections of the trail run parallel to Pennington-Rocky hill road. The trail ends at the entrance to a residential "mansion" neighbourhood, and I think the walk is more enjoyable in the spring when the leaves are green, the wildflowers are in bloom, and the trees are filled with the sounds of bird song.

Part of the joy I get from being in the woods is the year-round (except for the Grey Death of Winter) exercise of all of my senses. I love the Springtime birdsong, the sound of the wind whispering through the trees, the crunch and smell of decaying Autumn leave underfoot, the rays of spring and summer light falling through the trees, the earthy smell after a rainfall, and the wonderful perfume of Spring flowers.

These are the special moments I look forward to with the passing of the grey death of winter.

Wednesday 10 March, 2021 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF27mmF2.8 | 1/1100 sec at f/2.8 | ISO 200
Wednesday 10 March, 2021 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF27mmF2.8 | 1800 sec at f/2.8 | ISO 200
Wednesday 10 March, 2021 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF27mmF2.8 | 1420 sec at f/4.0 | ISO 200
Wednesday 10 March, 2021 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF27mmF2.8 | 111000 sec at f/4.0 | ISO 200
Wednesday 10 March, 2021 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF27mmF2.8 | 19000 sec at f/4.0 | ISO 200
Wednesday 10 March, 2021 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF27mmF2.8 | 1250 sec at f/2.8 | ISO 800

Glimpse

I am struggling.

Wow. I am struggling with the last few challenges. I live in an alternative universe where I am one of the few who hates everything about winter with freezing weather and grey skies every day for weeks.

Show us the things you love that makes your world spin or something about your world that make you delirious with joy.

I love hiking and bathing in the light falling through the leaves of the forest canopy. I love warm (but not hot) weather and barbecues in the back yard with close friends and family. I love a day down the shore. I love photographing Warblers that visit from the Caribbean. I love hanging out at the local tavern on a Friday after work and long mid-week lunches with my friends. I love hiking for hours in the forest and woods. I love touring craft micro-breweries.

If the current situation with vaccine distribution offers any glimpse into the future, it looks like I won't experience any of that joy for at least another year.

Snow and Wind

It started on Sunday afternoon and is expected to continue until Tuesday evening.

The snow began falling on Sunday afternoon, transforming the neighbourhood into a winter wonderland, starkly contrasting with Saturday's clear skies. This wintry spectacle is forecasted to continue its performance until Tuesday evening, blanketing our town in a thick, white coat.

Peering out of the kitchen window, the world outside seemed to have undergone a dramatic transformation overnight. The once-familiar scenery was now a canvas of pristine white, significantly different from yesterday's shades of grey and green. The wind relentlessly hurled snow and sleet with such force that it sounded like a shower of coarse sand against our home's sturdy vinyl siding. This symphony of nature's storm created a bewitching, intense ambience, reminding me of the winter season's rugged beauty.

outdoor winter scene
Sunday January 31, 2021 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF27mmF2.8 | 1170 s at f/2.8 | ISO 200
outdoor winter scene
Monday February 1, 2021 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF27mmF2.8 | 130 s at f/9 | ISO 800
outdoor winter scene
Monday February 1, 2021 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF27mmF2.8 | 1500 s at f/9 | ISO 6400

I started the morning by feeding Alphie his favourite breakfast, Friskies Stuf'd & Sauc'd Kick'n With Chicken & Dripp'n in Gravy. I then prepped for my morning coffee ritual, setting up the Chemex, scale, and Barazza
grinder. I planned to cook frumenty, enhancing it with a hint of saffron for a special breakfast treat.

Our neighbourhood had remained untouched by snowploughs since yesterday's snowfall. Bhavna and I had cleared our driveway the previous evening. However, thinking about the back-breaking work ahead and the new snowfall, she snuggled back into bed.

A subtle wave of panic washed over me as I realized it was Monday, 1 February, marking a month since my last contract concluded. The job search, a chore in itself, loomed ahead. Determined, I resolved to make the day count, actively searching for new opportunities.

food in bowl with coffee mug and notebook
Monday February 1, 2021 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF27mmF2.8 | 1500 s at f/2.8 | ISO 1600
outdoor winter scene
Monday February 1, 2021 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF27mmF2.8 | 1500 s at f/16 | ISO 12800
Monday February 1, 2021 | FujiFilm X-T2 | JC Penny MultiCoated Optics 80-200mm f/4.5 @ 200 mm | 1640 s at f/8.0 | ISO 800
outdoor winter scene
Monday February 1, 2021 | FujiFilm X-T2 | XF27mmF2.8 | 1500 s at f/16 | ISO 10000