The place I went to is messy and not super photogenic in some terms. I know some folks might pass up taking shots of places like this, but...
this is nature.
Trees fall, branches come down and life goes on.
This is on the east end of the narrow valley. Charlie and I admired the ice and then crossed the little stream and headed up over the top of the ice.
We followed what used to be an old riding trail and that is a well worn game trail now.
16 seconds of a cell phone pano of this spot...with Charlie whining
for us to 'get moving'!!!
This could give you an idea what it was
This could give you an idea what it was
like down in this narrow valley.
The ice curtain wasn't huge, but the 'cave' was pretty large.
Here I am looking down on the valley I just walked through.
We kept going over the dry runs and making detours to get around fallen trees and ravines that were too steep to climb through.
We eventually made it back to the bluffs above the river.
Charlie and I headed out towards the area where you can follow part of an old logging road... this photo you have seen before...
However when we reached this valley I turned my head and saw some ice forming on the south facing hillside rocks. We had to check it out.
I realized that ice was forming all along in this valley too. Different from the other valley, but intriguing and exciting anyway!
This is a very narrow valley also with a stream that runs through it. The valley is so narrow that it rarely gets much sun except in the height of summer.
Like I said before. If I'd had an entire day, I could have visited at least two more large 'Ice Caves' and another valley. Sigh.
If I lived near you I would have a fire, coffee and some baked goods awaiting your arrival after a long, cold hike. And a warm, soft spot for Charlie. That is as close as I would ever get to doing what you do!
ReplyDeleteFun to see the ice formations and their different colors! Stay warm! Really cold here.
ReplyDeleteIt is bitter cold here and funny enough, the mules were napping in the sun. I imagine the sun feels warm.
DeleteThe ice colors are varied I think because of minerals or what the seeping water picks up as it come out of the rocks or over the dirt.
One can see blue, yellow, orange, and sometimes a green tint to ice.
I don't know how old you are, but you are in pretty fine shape to do this. You can descend and climb and have a lot of stamina.
ReplyDeleteI'll be 69 in a few months.
DeleteI'm lucky so far with good lower limbs and I work out often for mobility and strength, plus I just enjoy walking and hiking.
LS.....It is a rough area to visit. I can see it would be tough even then in the summer. I find all the ice fascinating with all the natural springs leaking water year round.
ReplyDeleteThank you, I find this land fascinating.
DeleteI wish I lived close to you so that I could accompany you on one of these walks. So many people ignore the magic of winter and there is so much to discover. All the best - David
ReplyDeleteThanks, I will be spending the next two days NOT wandering the woods. I have the proper clothing, but as a precaution, it is best to stay safe.
DeleteYou would enjoy this area for the diverse plant and animal life as well as birds.
Wow! That looks so very interesting. I've never seen anything like it even when we lived in Illinois. My daughter in Chicago keeps reminding me of the cold since she thinks I've forgotten now that we live in Hawaii.
ReplyDeleteStarved Rock may have places similar where there are ice falls, but that is mid state if I recall correctly. Well, Dad worked in Chicago and I do recall some very very cold times while living there.
DeleteNice though that you have a nice climate there in Hawaii.
You sure are impressive. I was lazy today.
ReplyDeleteThose ice falls are well worth the effort!
ReplyDelete