High tide on Plum Island this afternoon was at 12:38 PM.
It was an unusually high tide. I passed over the Parker River on Route 1 on my way to the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge at about 1 PM. The river was swollen, with water flooding areas that are normally dry.
It was a picture-perfect outdoors day today, a wonderful day for walking outside. Before I headed out walking I decided I needed a visit to the greenhouses of the Lyman Estate; floral color beckoned.
I was delighted to find some camellias in bloom. While the camellias in the greenhouse are in full bloom during one of the winter months, some of the plants were wearing flowers today.
A brisk afternoon walk followed my visit with the flowers.
While the winter solstice is still a month away today feels like a winter day. When I headed out for my exercise walk this morning the air temperature was 12 degrees and the wind was howling.
My second walk today was in the Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Although the temperature was up a few degrees, reading 18 when I stepped out of my car, the wind was even stronger than it was earlier. I felt the wind pushing me. Walking south was almost reasonable; walking to the north was very difficult. My wind- and temperature-dictated beach walk was shorter than I had planned.
I shared the beach with sea gulls. Some were flying, some walked the beach, and some were floating in the water. It's always a good day to walk by the ocean!
While the winter freeze has started on this pond there was enough open water to create a peaceful reflection of trees and blue sky.
This morning's first surprise? Snow squalls!
Based on the forecast last night I expected to see rain mixed with a bit of snow this morning. Instead I opened the door to heavy snow squalls. Snow continues to fall, coating the grass with a layer of white and leaving slush and puddles on paved surfaces.
It's going to be a messy morning walk!
It was a cool gray day with rain filling the morning hours.
Raindrops were still falling when I arrived at Harold Parker State Forest for a bit of camera play. I found water overflowing the banks of Field Pond; the small circle I often walk was inaccessible today.
Dodging raindrops was easy; keeping my feet out of the mud was a little harder.
It was midway between high and low tide when I arrived on the coast this morning. I stopped at Jenness State Beach for a quiet walk on smooth wet sand. There were a few other people walking and a number of dry suit clad surfers braving the cold ocean waters.
The sun was bright, the sky was blue, and the air wore a comfortable layer of chill.
The snow that started falling late in the day yesterday continued into the early morning hours before changing to rain. Before the switch there was 8.5 inches of snow on the ground. The snow compacted quickly leaving snow-covered surfaces, puddles, and generally messy walking conditions.
Since I have a strong preference for exercise walking outside I try to make sure I have the right layers for all weather. While I wear running shoes whenever possible, sloppy weather sometimes means that is the wrong choice. My first backup is my hiking shoes but on cold wet days like today that's not the right answer either. It was time for new winter shoes!
I've been very happy with my New Balance running shoes. Since I was pretty sure they had a winter walking/running boot I headed to the factory store (in the summer) to see if there were any boots hanging out on the shelves. No boots there...
It was time to turn to the New Balance web site. I ordered a pair of Fresh Foam 1100 Boots, described as "an ultra-modern sneaker boot". I crossed my fingers for a good fit and happy feet, waiting for winter weather to confirm their utility. Today was my sneaker boot maiden voyage, a wet and messy 5-mile (fast) walk. My feet were happy, warm, and dry!
Last week's walk in Jenkins Arboretum showed leaves wearing a combination of autumn colors and green, showing a transition into a colder season.
Today and tomorrow the temperature is forecast to hover around freezing. Snow is predicted for tomorrow night before changing back to rain. I don't think I'm ready to face snow yet but that choice is not up to me!
As I wandered through the conservatory at Longwood Gardens last week I spent some time in the room where the orchids bloom. I think the rich color of this flower is delightful.
