In Search of Snow... January "Walk in the Gardens" Challenge

It has been chillingly cold 

but still no measure-able snowfall in my gardens,

so we went to the mountains to find some.

A good excuse for a walk don't ya think?

Not much snow up there either. 

The ski resorts are making snow for their slopes.

But we did find snow, 

though not the deep fluffy stuff we played in last year. 

Click here

and here

and here.

(Oh we had such fun on last year's mountain get-a-way.)


This year was a different kind of fun...

though we did find some interesting pics to shoot during our stay...

things we might have missed if we hadn't gone for a walk or two.

 Winter Whites on the shady side of the road...

give the illusion of lots of snow,
though the sunny side is bare.

 But even a little snow brings Winter interest.

Snow and moss... and *lichen.

*an organism that is formed by the symbiotic association of a fungus and an alga 

and occurs as crusty patches or bushy growths on tree trunks, bare ground, etc.

 Tangled roots from an old tree.

 What creature lies within?

 Roots formed around rocks.

 Rocky outcropping 

gives the appearance of a petrified tree trunk.

Spring water running clear and cold.

 Ice castles for the Fairies to play in...

Can you see them? 

Neither can I but I know they're in there.

 Looking heaven-ward reveals berries for the birds 

and clear blue skies in the chilling 10°F air.

The birds were high in the trees this day,

but I could hear them singing their happy Sunshine Song.

 A mountain cemetery reflecting the twilight blues of the snow.
It was simply enchanting!


What treasures did you find on your January winter walk? 

Post about it, 
then add your link to the list below. 
"Walk in the Gardens" Challenge is hosted the first day of each month 
and the linky is up for a week.

I can't wait to see what you discover!