Solstice

Today is Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year and the official start to winter. We ushered out autumn yesterday with snow down to sea level. Although there has been snow in the hills in recent weeks, this is the first seen by flatlanders in a couple of years. Rain, with more predicted, means it’s not likely to last. So I guess if one dreams of a white Christmas yesterday was an excuse for an early celebration.

It’s the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere. Stay warm and dry.

One foot after the other

Sometimes it’s hard to know where the trail is heading. This day, this achingly beautiful sunny day, it felt like walking into a tunnel of forest light. Other days it’s time to pull up the hood and keep on moving. Sometimes you just don’t know ’til you’re there. And always it’s one foot after the other.

I’m heading on a new trail for a little while and taking a break.

Winter light

I may have posted a view of this spot before. It’s part of my regular walking route at Dungeness Recreation Area. It regularly grabs me because it’s so nicely situated to catch slices of light in the late afternoon and early evening. During winter it’s particularly nice to emerge from the nearby forested area and see the light radiating across this part of the trail ahead.

Winter breakthrough

After endless grey days (Yes, I know. I’m exaggerating.) it seems as if the color has drained away from everything. Then the sun breaks through and reminds me the color palette extends beyond grey. This is along one of the marsh areas at Dungeness Recreation Area.

Today is the last day of duck hunting in the Dungeness Recreation Area. And if I’ve got it right, it’s the last day of hunting there for good.