Ice is cool

In our creek bottom there is a sandstone wall on a north wall that seeps water all year. If you didn't ever go into this are in the winter, you wouldn't know it was there. I'll never forget discovering it for the first time. 

I think it was the year I discovered snow shoeing. In the forest around us there are no groomed trails other than perhaps one you make yourself or one the deer and other critters have made.

I got pretty good at jumping the creek and climbing over downed trees with snowshoes on.

Here is the ice wall on the 3rd of January.

Depending on the winter temperatures, this wall will grow and melt and grow again. The sun never shines on this area and it is always cool even on hot summer days. There are cracks in the rock and sandstone that seem to breathe out cold air.

I find that pattern and the texture of the ice so incredible. It differs at different times of the winter. The ice generally looks a bit more yellow because of the particles of sand it picks up.

The water in the creek below it flows slowly still with frost on the rocks and surrounding grasses.

It takes a consistently very cold winter to freeze over the top of the creek, but the water still flows underneath the ice. This spot freezes often and thaws on warm sunny days.

Part of our daily routine is to take a walk to the creek and to the wall past the X spot where we stop and watch trout for a bit.

In the winter everything changes nearly daily. New tracks, the ice formations change, the creek freezes and thaws in different ways which is always fascinating.

Where the creek has a small springs, the water is so much warmer than the air that moisture collects on the grasses and makes the most incredible frost formations.

Below is one tiny spring the flows gently into the creek. The formations of ice and frost constantly change here. It is also a hot spot for the deer and carnivores to gather for a drink.

I guess I am just a sucker for the strange beauty of winter in this area. More and more I am realizing just how lucky I have been to live here.

Paradise.... Springs and other thoughts about photography.

At the end of our K-town visit, Morris and I stopped at Paradise Springs for a short walk.
The sun was out and it was still early morning.
It was a Monday and not a soul was around. I let Morris off the leash and we explored the old dam and the spring house.

Here is part of the old dam.

I don't know enough history about this place but I know that I will stop here on my next trip across the state. It is in a round about way...sort of on my way.

It wasn't just the neat little places where one could photograph moving water, but the stone structure was fascinating and quite beautiful.

The inside of the spring house had a wide shallow pool in it. I loved the reflections from outside of the building to inside the building.

 Looking down into the shallow pool I realized I could see the building walls above me along with trees and the leaves under the water below.

 The field stone of the building added a nice texture too.

Here is a link with photos to Paradise Springs. WI DNR Paradise Springs.

Mr. Morris and I explored and were able to take our time setting up photos as we had the place to ourselves.
However, while we were taking a break enjoying the pond view we did see one person walk quickly up the trail and take a snapshot with their cell phone.
I waved, she waved, and then she quickly turned and left.

My weekend trip was incredible. I visited quite a few parks along the shores of Lake Michigan. I seem drawn to water quite a bit.

I also am learning some other things regarding photography. I am discovering that I enjoy having a photo that tells a story more often than just a beautiful photo.

I keep wondering where I will go with this 'hobby'.
I was sure I would hate Still Life, but love it. I am learning about off camera flashes when I knew I would never use a flash..ever!
I am getting a keen interest in portraits. Oh and I knew I would never ever in a million years want to photograph humans!

The nice thing about this hobby is that it can keep growing.