Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Icy Sunshine

Vermont has had continuing cold weather and snow.  A big ice storm created havoc with electricity and trees.. but the following day, Zoe and I rode out in the icy fantasy. 

All the birches were weighted down encased in ice. When the birches are laid down as this one is - it always makes me think of Robert Frost's poem - Birches.

It remained cold enough so that this ice sheath lasted several days.

We stayed to the back roads.. still far too much snow in the woods.









We got onto one spot where the roadsides were open enough to let in those strong March sun rays -- and found a little mud ! Here's a sight we have not seen in a few months.






Our local electric company CVPS is out all over looking for downed trees...









As we trotted a few more miles - we found one too. We had to stand and wait while they sawed this off the lines and then we walked through the debris to continue our trek.






It took several days for all the trees to be cleaned off the roads and lines after this storm.





One of my favorite back roads... I must admit, although the ice is a bit of a nuisance - it certainly is beautiful when the sun hits it.







I'll just add a few scenic views as we trot along.











Trotting under the canopy of ice. 


What a pretty day for a ride !  even though we trot this loop often -- the view changes with the seasons and the weather -- always different, always beautiful.












A short action shot of the scenery :)    being in the saddle in so therapeutic in so many ways !!


Enjoy ~

4 comments:

  1. We also got this same ice storm. It was beautiful, but your pictures are absolutely awesome! I love it when the sun shines down through the icy branches and creates light prisms. I have missed your posts! Good to hear you have been getting out there and enjoying your local views from horseback.

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  2. It sure looks cold but I agree that it is beautiful with the sun shining on the ice. I am glad we are having a bit warmer weather here:)

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  3. I think the ice storm aftermath is so beautiful. Sharp reminder though of the big icestorm we had in 1998!! So awesome you got out in it! Were trees snapping and falling?

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  4. Yes- Donna -- we had trees and large limbs falling for two days after. Luckily, only one on the fenceline :) The best thing -- as the ice began to melt a bit and fall off.. there was a tinkling noise in the woods sort of like falling water with chimes mixed in.. pretty neat !

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