Quick Tromp Thru the Snow

Everywhere I looked today, people seemed to be obsessing over politics, but "me and my shadow" decided we needed a break -- I really hate the politics of politics, if that makes any sense -- and briefly headed outdoors to tromp around in the snow. For the record, this was the first time this winter I put on my snowboots.

The biggest part of the yard is absolutely pristine, not even marked by any stray paw prints, probably cos it snowed overnight and earlier in the day and hadn't stopped that long before I went out. BTW, the temp was almost 40F while I wa shooting these!

By the time I ventured out, tho', a warming trend had hit and much of the snow that had coated tree branches only a couple hours before had melted away. Much of what remained could be found on the two big spruce trees in the front.
Even here, tho', the meltdown was continuing.

Followed my shadow out to the end of the driveway and snapped this shot looking north toward the Talkeetna Mountains. As you can see, Wasilla was under a lovely blue sky and the snow wasn't particularly deep. It probably looks more impressive here than it really was cos of passing vehicles tending to bunch it up in the middle and sides.

I then walked up to the end of Holiday and shot this view down toward Wasilla. The mountains in the distance were mostly socked in and no real snow on the trees, but this remains on of my favorite views.

I'm pretty sure this is the tire track left as the garbage truck passed.

From the back yard, a view of the snow on the deck and steps. When I went to bed last night there was very little snow left on the deck, so this is a good measure of how much came down overnight.

Not much snow clinging to the pine cones.

I upped the contrast here just a bit so you could see the texture of the snow. For the most part it was the light, fluffy type, unlike the wet, heavier snow that had fallen a few days ago and melted. I'm not quite sure what the marks are, either from blowing leaves or maybe some bird bouncing around on it.

Sunset, snow, moose and more

As usual, I managed to miss a good chunk of the sunset, but it was still quite pretty.


From earlier in the day, this snow-covered car sorta caught my eye since it was the only one I saw, go figure.

The snow line creeps ever downward....

The next two are from Pat, used with her permission.

Thought at first this was a ptarmigan still wearing it's fall colors but, in retrospect, am now thinking it's a grouse.

Hey, Pat's already got a pet moose!

Snow-Covered Friday Morning Scenics

All photos in this entry courtesy of Pat Schue.

The First "Real" Snow

Unlike the snow of a couple days ago that just visited and left, this snow looks a bit more serious. Not much sun so far today, tho' if it actually peeks out for more than a few seconds, I might actually be inspired to put on real clothes and venture out to one of the lakes with the camera. Until then, I'm in "through the window" mode.

Video Clip-- "Let It Snow"

Okay, I'm obviously never going to get invited to audition for "American Idol" but what the heck. The first snowfall of the season does strange things to me!

The Day After the Snow

This was the view out my back door in the late afternoon yesterday.
Zooming in, slower lens, to show the flakes.

Today, this was about all that was left, tiny piles of sunshine resistent flakes.

Snow circles, anyone? Taken of an area that was sorta white all over yesterday. By noon today, about when I took this, this was all that was left. You can definitely tell that I mow in circles around the cache flower bed, tho', huh?

Taking the long route to the library...from behind Home Depot, overlooking Wasilla Lake.

But, in almost the opposite direction, mountains were hazed in. As I type, a heavy fog has settled, so I guess I know what direction it snuck up on us from.

Fun with shadows

Pretty mountains, pretty skies...

Looking out over Wasilla, over where Parks Highway nears Palmer-Wasilla HIghway from the east.

From the Pandemonium Bookstore parking lot, looking mostly SE.

A bit more directly Southerly view. I swear there was some silver in there, most likely the fog reflecting the sun, but it got lost in the download.

And how could I resist a quick stop at Wasilla Lake?

I didn't walk down the path today but looked like someone was sitting at a table enjoying the view.

Just a tiny bit of a closer look so you can compare the snow levels with previous pictures if you're so inclined. Then again, much easier to just take my word for it, it's creeping down the mountains again.

"Quack!"