Happy 2006!

(My resolution will be to figure out a way to get these photo's up on my blog....)

> 2005 < = > 2006 <
(Out with the old and in with the new)

Mike and I spent the last day of 2005 and the first day of 2006 hiking and skiing amongst the wintery panorama in Camden State Park. A very special place for us...in every season. We got married here and I imagine for as long as I live, this park will be a jewel in my heart.

As we drive down into the parking lot, Mike always likes to test the breaking system on the VW Golf on the ice. I hate that sliding, fishtail sensation, but it always makes Mike grin like a mischievous little boy. It's a winter wonderland here. All the trees are flocked with snow. There are also branches that have blocks of frozen ice covering them. I've never seen anything like it. Except on that one Christmas special that has the winter warlock...you know that animated one? I think it's Rudolf. The Winter Warlock was cool.

(missing wintery pictures....)
Doesn't it look like like the Winter Warlock's house?

On the first day of the year, there was nobody at Camden when we got there. Quiet. I've got this great 6 mile hike I've been doing....and it looks different each time I go. Today there was dense fog and low visibility with an Easterly wind (which I didn't know about until I hiked up out of the river valley. Once on top I can get into a jog and it's like running in sand. Crunch crunch crunch. Today was the first time I saw no deer---although yesterday I saw 6 all at once.

When I ride this route on my mountain bike, this "caution" sign has alot more meaning...it's where those railroad ties are and it's a pretty steep descent, followed by a quick climb back up to the top. I love it on foot though.

The trees are amazing close up. It looks like it's not real...like a painting or something. The only way to believe what you see, is to feel it. It's cold. Freezing. Literally. Funny thing is, I wasn't cold. Had on all the right clothes. The only buzz-kill was the snowmobile who came speeding passed me to remind me of civilization. They are very very loud amongst the quiet of this prairie park.

The last turn before I wind my way back down to the river bottom and back to greet my husband and the small hound---A very nice way to begin another year! Happy 2006 everybody!