Snow at Seven Lakes

Winter months can be a grind unless you get out there and discover winter magic. For someone who grew up with lots of snow, a temperate winter at 36F and drizzle is just a real drag. Suffice to say I celebrate when I heard that we would have a polar vortex and true winter temperatures. Of course that means skiing, but that also means that hiking will have an ethereal beauty. The snow dampens the sound transmission, and a solitary walk becomes a treat as you can get lost - and stay lost - in thought.

This Sunday my side kick Suki and I returned to Seven Lakes State Park, one of my go to hiking areas when I can’t get to Cadillac for skiing. I have a love / hate relationship with that blue coat: she hates the wind but shakes the whole time she wears it. Having such short hair she has to have it on when the temps drop to about 20F. Big pit bull, hates getting her feet wind, and the wind gets her crazy.

So Suki and I have recorded many of the scenes you’ll see in the video. Those are mostly fall or spring photos, I didn’t realize I didn’t have as many snow photos.

In the snow, things seem much different. I even found what looked like a cross between a Narnia and Game of Thrones royal chair fit for a Humanzee. It’s sizable - that stands nearly 6 feet tall. Next time I’ll get Suki in the photo for size comparison. Just looking at the photos puts me in a different mood, you may likely tell from how I write this compared to some my other really serious articles lately. The world and online activity is shaping life more and more. I think we need to master the digital with the real. Out here an offline, even in the dark month of February, recharges the batteries. While it is winter, we have to work and adding elements of the Light to our lives. Digital can lead to the Dark if we let it rule our passions. It’s like alcohol that way. At least for me.