I've always enjoyed the winter solstice because of the promise of lighter days and the coming spring. This year, though, the darkness has not bothered me as much. We've had a warmer December overall here in NW Oregon though our coldest temps tend to come in January and early February.
Yeah...just kidding, Jeanne. I started wearing long johns in October. Added a battery powered heated vest this month that allows me hike outdoors, or walk around town in wind and with temperatures in the 30's. I'm not a bear. I won't hibernate :-)
Sweet piece! I have to ask, or course, which mountain bald you hiked?
I'm also wondering if those petroglyphs were carved by the Cherokee. It could be much older as the Cherokee are considered fairly "recent" arrivals in the region.
You're probably right, Marsha. I was simply having fun imagining the Cherokee up on that granite bald. It's in Poe Creek State Forest, off Hwy. 11. Happy Holidays to you too!
I enjoyed your imagining! I think it's also cool to imagine how far back the carvings could go. But I also nearly majored in archeology and anthropology, so there's that.
P.S. I will be hosting my Silent Hike on that trail in March, near the Equinox, in case you're interested to join us. Let me know if I should add you to my mailing list for those events.
Beautiful rendering of what’s unique about this time of year. As Judy noted, now I look forward to the gradual lengthening of daylight. Time to read my gardening catalogs, inventory my seeds, wander through my sleeping garden. Time to be thankful for this Circle of Life. 🙏🏻
See how you kindled the flame of our companionship with your wonderful winter solstice walk and this post! Bless you for doing all of that! May the new year bring you happiness Jeanne!
I've always enjoyed the winter solstice because of the promise of lighter days and the coming spring. This year, though, the darkness has not bothered me as much. We've had a warmer December overall here in NW Oregon though our coldest temps tend to come in January and early February.
Blessings to you and yours this holiday season!
And to you as well, Judy! May your January and February be exactly the temperature that suits you well. And Happy Holidays!
Happy Solstice Jean. Interesting about the petroglyphs as well.
Thank you, Neil! Holiday blessings of all kinds to you and yours.
Happy Winter Solstice to you and Jim, Jeanne. Thanks for sharing those petroglyphs with us.
You are welcome! And Happy Holidays to all y'all at Red Earth Farm!
Oh no! It’s Winter! Again?
yessir!
Yeah...just kidding, Jeanne. I started wearing long johns in October. Added a battery powered heated vest this month that allows me hike outdoors, or walk around town in wind and with temperatures in the 30's. I'm not a bear. I won't hibernate :-)
A battery-powered heated vest??! That sounds amazing, Mark!
What a beautiful post! Happy Winter Solstice to you!
And to you as well, Margo! I hope we'll talk soon!
Happy Solstice to you! I could spend an entire day admiring and photographing the moss and lichen art patterns.
Yes, Paul ... I imagine you would! It was amazing.
Belated Solstice blessings to you, Jeanne!
Thank you, dear Jenny!
Sweet piece! I have to ask, or course, which mountain bald you hiked?
I'm also wondering if those petroglyphs were carved by the Cherokee. It could be much older as the Cherokee are considered fairly "recent" arrivals in the region.
Happy Solstice!
(P.S. We still have to get together...)
You're probably right, Marsha. I was simply having fun imagining the Cherokee up on that granite bald. It's in Poe Creek State Forest, off Hwy. 11. Happy Holidays to you too!
I enjoyed your imagining! I think it's also cool to imagine how far back the carvings could go. But I also nearly majored in archeology and anthropology, so there's that.
P.S. I will be hosting my Silent Hike on that trail in March, near the Equinox, in case you're interested to join us. Let me know if I should add you to my mailing list for those events.
Yes! Please add me to the list.
Jeanne, I am delighted that you were inspired by - and that you inspired also!- the HUULaS hike! This is a wonderful story.
Happy winter solstice indeed.
Love, Kathy
.....and the same to you, sweet Kathy!
Beautiful rendering of what’s unique about this time of year. As Judy noted, now I look forward to the gradual lengthening of daylight. Time to read my gardening catalogs, inventory my seeds, wander through my sleeping garden. Time to be thankful for this Circle of Life. 🙏🏻
You express that so beautifully, Betsy ... what a nature lover does during the cold months. I especially like "...wander through my sleeping garden"!
See how you kindled the flame of our companionship with your wonderful winter solstice walk and this post! Bless you for doing all of that! May the new year bring you happiness Jeanne!
Abundant holiday blessings to you and yours, Sandy!