For unknown reasons, I've always loved reading about adventures of polar explorers. My favorite book on the subject was "Endurance" by Ernest Shackleton. It's the story of a failed attempt to cross Antarctica by sledge and the struggle to survive during a two year period stranded by pack ice and remoteness. It's worth a read. I think part of my attraction to these stories are that I truly enjoy snow and winter and being outdoors doing just about anything. Call me a bit crazy, but there are times I love the bite of below zero on my skin and the struggle to just traverse deep snow. For myself, it makes me feel alive.
As I snowshoed yesterday, the wind was up pretty high, but temps were not terrible. I knew after working my way through the woods, I'd end up out on an open windy field. I shot a few frames, but there wasn't a lot that caught my eye. Nearing sunset and cresting the top of a hill, the forms of the snow drifts started to interest me. We'd received some rain a week ago, which formed a crust, and more recently, powder snow on top. The strong winds during the past day or two really sculpted it and made (for me) some interesting forms. I also liked the warm colors of the late day sun reflecting off of it. I stopped at the highest point of my hike and wondered if those polar explorers appreciated the same beauty provided by the rawness of nature. Perhaps, or maybe it was just another hurdle in the way to achieve their goals.
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| Snow Crescent |
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| Sunset on Snow and Crust |
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