A walk in the woods

December 27th

A fitting end to a very nice Christmas this year — in the early afternoon yesterday, I went for a long walk in the local forest. It was CRISPY cold, about minus 9C, with an even lower wind chill. But it was sunny. I was in a very good mood and besides, I wanted to burn some calories from all that Christmas eating. There is some fresh snow on the ground, fitting for the season. There was some snow creaking under my boots, and I just love this sound. And I was alone for a couple of hours in the dormant nature. That was all I needed to feel happy, to be content with my life.

There was silence, even though I wasn’t that far from the civilization. Silence, only disturbed by wind and my footsteps. The low sun and long shadows, dramatic clouds, and the changed visual perspective of the forest that I know so well. It was too cold even for the birds to be around — and that concerns me a little — I’ve noticed that since Friday, since temperatures dropped so low, no birds come to my bird feeder at home. I guess they stay huddled together, in some place where wintering birds go for safety and warmth.