Winter Parts I and II

The pictures in my last post were taken as we walked north of our house along the beach which had been cleared of snow by the high tide.  These images may have left the impression that spring-like weather had come to our Island.  This is far from true.  We are actually deep in the heart of Winter Part II.  

We slip merrily through Winter Part I which begins in late October and lasts through the end of the December holidays.  Snow is a pretty novelty, the social rat-race distracts, and short daylight hours make evenings seem cozy.

 

Winter Part II, on the other hand, is serious business.  Extending from January to whenever spring arrives, we face a seemingly endless cycle of snow, rain, bitter cold, ice, snow, rain, etc.  The days do get longer by leaps and bounds, which is cause for celebration, but snow shoveling, ice grip wearing, and grey skies test everyone’s mettle.  Cabin fever sets in.  The lucky leave for Hawaii!  

Today was another day of snow which turned to rain mid-afternoon.  We walked the beach again when the tide was just beginning to ebb and I took some representative shots of Winter Part II.  

Snow at the tide line is very slushy.

Looking up the Wrangell Narrows, with Kupreanof Island on the left.

The spit at Spruce Point.

The Sailor's poor skiff, buried in snow.

Before you go, have a peek at my sewing machine, where this afternoon I was finishing a piece for the new Fiberactions challenge.  Shhh, the reveal is March 15th, so it's a secret until then.