March SOL Challenge–Day 5
Inspired by Alan Wright‘s slice about what he found on his morning walk and looking for my own slice inspiration, I set out on a walk early this morning. In my enthusiasm for writing material, I didn’t fully factor in a few critical details. One, Alan lives in Australia and I live in Maine. There’s a bit of a seasonal difference. And 2, I forgot to consider today’s temperature. It’s been such an odd, mild winter that I guess I’d forgotten that 16 degrees with a bit of wind feels like…well, misery.
I set out with grand intentions, focused on the nature around me. The morning light spilled onto fallow fields. Chickadees chirped, crows cawed and a small flock of unidentified birds fluttered away as I approached. Two roosters duetted at a nearby farm. I smiled when I noticed the maple trees along the road garnished with tubing and large plastic bucket. The sap’s flowing! Spring’s on its way. This was such a great idea!
As I walked, I stopped to take a few pictures: a bird’s nest camouflaged in a bush, a friendly woodpecker, reflections in ice. After a few photographs, my fingers ached with cold. After a mile or so, the wind picked up. I pulled my scarf up higher on my neck, ducking my chin into its fleecy warmth and rubbed my gloved hands on my thighs. My cheeks stung and my thighs felt like two frozen hams, still capable of moving but slightly detached from my sensory system. This is not fun!
Ceding defeat, I turned around, leaned into the wind and trudged toward home, not noticing nearly so much on the return journey. After another 15 minutes or so, with fumbling, frozen fingers, I opened the door and tripped into my house, greeted by the warmth. Thank goodness that’s over with!
Spring may be coming, but it’s not here yet!
Nix the comfort zone 
Love your descriptive language- I feel like I was right there with you with thighs like frozen hams! Spring is definitely not here yet…
Let’s talk about where to go for my first taste of fresh syrup!
Also I love the light in your photo- beautiful
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Cindy, I’ll have to introduce you to Maine Maple Sunday!
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That sounds miserable, yet magical at the same time. I really love the sound imagery of the birds you added. Really beautiful…
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You braved the cold and was rewarded with nature’s sounds and took some nice photos.
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Oh my gosh, you describe life (winter) in Maine so precisely! So often those walks are beautiful and inspiring until you have to face into the wind to return! Thanks for this. It made me smile AND glad I was near my fireplace tonight!
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I was with you the entire walk. I have forgotten what those bitter temperatures feel like. And, yes, spring is on it’s way. Hang in there. Walks are such a great way to compose writing.
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So funny, I considered a walk this afternoon and made it the end of my driveway, before deciding maybe I wasn’t quite ready. My driveway is only 65 feet long by the way. I’m such a wimp.
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I don’t think you’re a wimp, Susan. I think you’re smart! It was darn cold out there!!!
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Peut-etre non, mais le court d’hiver est finis. Marveilleux!
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As a fellow Mainer, I understand the pain! I’ve been too sick to wander outside, but next week looks promising!
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Hope you’re feeling well enough to get out and enjoy the predicted warmth this coming week!
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It was cold here in CT this morning, too. My walk was shorter than usual, and I wasn’t nearly as observant as you were. Thank you for sharing your walk with us.
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Such a different experience than my day today! I dressed for the cool 65 degree and cloudy weather as I headed out for our writing project spring conference…and ended up sweating! It was sunny and beautiful…and I wished for sandals instead of the boots I had on.
I love your description of your walk…and the beautiful photo. I cannot even imagine 16 degrees and windy! Brrrr…. And fresh maple syrup! I do love reading your blog!
Kim
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Thanks, Kim! Your blog and wonderful photos are always a highlight of my week!
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Your descriptive language and imagery was wonderful. Living in wintery Wisconsin, I woke up to several inches of snow. How wonderful you heard the birds singing-definitely a sign of spring! Loved it! Thank you for sharing!
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This winter here in Ontario has been much the same – cold, warm, cool, snow. Just had 6″ on Wednesday, with below o weather and next week it will be double digits with rain! Lovely post – great descriptions.
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I don’t know about you, Bev, but the strange weather makes me uneasy. I’ll still enjoy the predicted record warmth and sunshine on Wednesday though!
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