falling snow

Heavy snow started falling this afternoon.

It covers the ground; it clings to trees, to branches, to the dry remnants of plants.

melting ice

The forecast tells me that today is the last day of melting ice; cold returns tomorrow.

I took advantage of the January thaw to walk in Harold Parker State Forest this afternoon. Most of the ponds contain ice with occasional pools of water.

low tide

Reasonable temperatures for a winter day drew me to the coast today for a low tide walk in the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge.

My walk was awesome even though I ended it with very wet feet. While I'm usually more careful on winter walks a combination of a warmish temperature and wool socks kept me comfortable.

warmer

The weather wizard has gifted us with a few warmer days.

While the snow is slowly disappearing, trails in the woods are too slippery for safe walking and ponds still wear ice. Even with these conditions the warmer air feels good!

late day light

As the sun starts to set the sky changes color, highlighting trees that stand across a frozen pond.

ocean song

Listen, can you hear the sound of the sea?

The day dawned cold with the temperature rising enough to create a good walking environment. I headed to the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge to enjoy a low tide walk on smooth sand, a walk accompanied by the sound of ocean waves.

top photos :: 2025

It's that time of year, the time when I wander through the photos that I've taken during 2025 to find my favorites. It's always an interesting exercise, one that takes time and changes day-to-day until I have made my final choices.

From the beginning of the year, here are my selections.

peaceful

ocean view at low tide, Parker River National Wildlife Refuge


delicate

iris wearing yellow


pink

peonies in bloom


salt covers rocks

at Halibut Point State Park


perched

a tiger helconian butterfly


a pop of yellow

false sunflowers


dahlias & a bee

“If I wasn't a human girl I think I'd like to be a bee and live among the flowers.” ― L.M. Montgomery


subtle color

late autumn, at the end of Duck Brook Road, Acadia National Park


cliff's edge

at Schooner Head Overlook, Acadia National Park


mirrored

trees reflect in Brackett Pond, Harold Parker State Forest

These photos are collected into the gallery top photos :: 2025. If you'd like to see larger versions of the photos or you would like to view them as a full screen slideshow, click here to jump to the gallery, then press the triangle-shaped button at the top.

trees, ice, water

Warmer temperatures over the past few days have released ponds in the area from much of their ice cover.

Reflections and ice alternate on the surface of Field Pond in Harold Parker State Forest.

in the woods

Warm(ish) temperatures this afternoon pulled me outside to walk in Harold Parker State Forest. While the ground was mainly clear of snow the ponds wore a solid surface of ice.

It was a good day for a walk in the woods.

drifted sand

The end of the boardwalk approaching the beach entrance at parking lot 3 at the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge is covered with drifted sand. A bit of railing is much lower than it was when the steps to the beach were created; it's amazing how much sand movement there is.

Today's light snow and cold tells me that yesterday was the right day to visit the beach.