Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Winter Walk-Off, 2014

Although today was in the 70's, it was just one week ago when we had a monster storm. At least that's how we all looked at it. We were sick and tired of the extreme cold and numerous snowfalls of 2014...but it came, once again. In all honesty, on the day I took these photos, I wasn't totally irritated by the snow; in fact, it was so lovely that I decided to take a walk with my camera specifically for Les's annual 'Winter Walk-Off Blogging Challenge'. Looking back at them, it was bright, white and clean. (Thankfully, a few days later...it's all gone and the weather is spring-like. However, tomorrow calls for lower temperatures and some precipitation, once again...although I believe it's going to be just rain. I am thinking that will be the 'last blast'). Anyway, on with the snow show:

After leaving my driveway and turning left, I walked the length of 5 or 6 houses and turned around. This is the view back up the hill, although my house is on the right at the top of the hill, so you cannot see it here.


After I snapped the first picture, I continued walking onward. I love this little path area below the main road. With the snow cover, it was very peaceful.


At this point I had turned around and was looking back up the road. In between all those trees is the path I'd just walked through.


Moving forward, the path continues along the side of the road...



...until it is again, surrounded by trees and privacy. And silence.



After a period of peace and silence, I walked through a crossroad and turned left again. This is looking down another hill toward our neighborhood pond.



...I've never actually taken the time to sit on this bench. I'm always moving swiftly at this point.


Now we're getting closer to the pond.



The water feature works throughout the year. And the ducks and geese are always present.




There's no question a lot of the pond was frozen. You can see the geese standing on it...




After rounding a bend in the path, I headed up another hill, across a bridge, towards the clubhouse. No, I didn't stop in...I just passed through. It's where our HOA headquarters are, and our community pool resides.


I turned around and took a shot from the parking lot, back to the pond.


An area had been plowed for access to the clubhouse.


To the left, between the wooden fence and the pond, is the neighborhood pool. It's really in there, somewhere.


The main parking lot had been plowed...but no one was visiting the pool. I am not sure why. (jk!)


Continuing on, I followed the trail to another section of the pond.


I've walked this path many-a-time. There is a tree with a very thick mass of poison ivy growth. I notice it in all seasons. It looks rather interesting with a snow cover:



Although the community plants for wildlife, there are quite a few invasive bushes and shrubs. I'm not sure what I'm looking at here and in the next photo...but I know I have seen invasive Japanese honeysuckle (non-native) all along our pathways in this community. It's just so thick it would be a major project to remove.



Here is a log that is always covered with a line of turtles in the warmer weather.


No one was picnicking today...


Turning around, looking at the 2nd bridge I crossed to stay on the path. I do enjoy the grasses that have been planted along the edge of the pond.


Moving forward, the pool area is on the left of the photo. I am headed back to the main road.


As I near the pool area the fountain can once again be seen.


Then, a bunch of geese filled the air...


I looked across the pond and several groups of them were taking off.



I've often thought it would be lovely to live in one of the homes facing the pond.





Another set of geese takes off...





But tons of them still remain.


Here I've turned another corner and am walking along the main road. I do enjoy having paths throughout our entire neighborhood.




I think I mentioned earlier that I like the grasses they've planted along the pond.




Okay...back up the hill to my street.



Apparently quite a few other people had the same idea that day...as evidenced by the tracks in the snow.


I always enjoy these spaces surrounded by trees.



Mr. Squirrel was enjoying the blue skies and looking out from an elevated perch.


This concludes my Winter Walk-Off. All of my future posts will deal with spring flowers and a warming trend!

Visit Les @ A Tidewater Gardener, to see more Winter Walk-Off 2014 posts.

What gifts have you discovered today? Until next time,

Words and photos ©Thanks for today.™, by Jan Huston Doble @ http://www.thanksfor2day.blogspot.com/
Not to be reproduced or re-blogged without express permission of the author.

7 comments:

  1. How fortunate you are to live somewhere that was developed with some foresight. All the paths, the wooded area and the lake, it all looks like a very retreatful (made-up word). Your post shows another side to northern Virginia, one which makes the traffic worth putting up with. Thanks for joining in.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Jan how gorgeous...what a fabulous walk. My walk around would be boring...just white and a housing development. Today we are having a huge snowstorm and bitter cold...winter still going here...no ground or flowers showing.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Your area is very pretty. :o) My walk would feature way too many houses.

    ReplyDelete
  4. It looks kind of familiar, Jan. And very lovely. :) I'll look forward to your spring posts, too!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Jan you have such a great path to walk. I love it and down around the lake too. It looks pretty with the snow. It amazes me how the ducks and geese stand the cold and ice in the water. Brrr. Pretty shots but I would love to see it in green. LOL!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I envy your walkable trail oriented community. The pond, trees, wildlife ... No wonder you always have birds in your yard.
    Ray

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wow, VA this winter looks like Maine! I loved how you captured the geese in flight. You're lucky to have such a nice trail for daily exercise. Thanks for the walk, Jan.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks so much for visiting and taking the time to comment! Please enjoy your TODAY and all of the gifts in YOUR garden of life!

Jan

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