Winter Wonderland

All night we had a steady snow and a strong wind -- the first snow storm of the season. Only about 4 inches fell, but it was a moist snow and stuck to every tree surface, making for a magnificent setting in Lakewood Forest Preserve where we hiked 4+ miles with Patti and Dave.



If every snowfall proved this scenic, there would be a lot less complaining about the snow -- except for the tens of thousands of motorists delayed during the rush hour! (One of the many joys of retirement is being able to choose when you venture out onto the roads!)

We spotted over 2 dozen deer as we hiked, including this buck peering at us from the safety of the forest...



The fresh snowfall provides interesting footprints, showing where deer cross the trails as well as divulging what other woodland creatures traverse the trails. It was fun today, for we enjoy when snow falls in December as it allows us to enjoy a modicum of winter before we retreat to the south for January through April. And if we get a few more inches on the ground, we'll be able to dig out the snowshoes!