"It is part of wisdom never to revisit a wilderness, for the more golden the lily, the more certain that someone has gilded it. To return not only spoils a trip, but tarnishes a memory. It is only in the mind that shining adventure remains forever bright."
~Aldo Leopold, A Sand County Almanac
No offense to Aldo Leopold, but I have to disagree. While I completely understand where he is coming from, I'm also continually surprised by revisiting a familiar trail. Every season and each new day brings something different to the scenery and I'm always on the lookout for something that I may never have noticed before. Such was the case with today's hike at the Plover River Segment...
Spring/Summer
Fall
Winter
This trail is ever-changing but always beautiful. Each hike treats us to new scenery and surprises.
The alternating dangerously cold temperatures and unbelievable snowfall finally gave way to a gorgeous day today. As we drove east towards the Plover River, temperatures were above freezing (finally!) and the sun was peeking through hazy blue skies. The 5+ inches of snow that fell yesterday was melted from the roads but still clung to tree branches and blanketed the landscape in a layer of fluffy white.
Someone had already been on the trail today with snowshoes so it was nicely packed down between the Hwy 52 parking area south toward the river. It was a peaceful and quiet hike with soft <<puffs!>> as snow fell from the trees. Birds were chirping and the river was softly babbling.
We walked as far as the boulder crossing at the river and had to turn back since there was no safe way to cross and I also didn't want to disturb the fluffy snowcaps the rocks were wearing.
Even though it was a short hike, walking through the soft snow and occasionally sinking in to my knees in places, we were both out of breath and tired by the time we got back to the car.
I had thought Charlie might be interested in exploring the segment heading north from the parking area but she hopped into the car and was ready to take a nap!
As we drove home, I donned my sunglasses and opened the sunroof of the car... enjoying a mild breeze and a brief reprieve from winter's grip. A beautiful way to spend an afternoon!
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