Yesterday marked the first day of Meteorological winter. In essence, the three coldest months of the year here in Minnesota. And it is COLD. Today it was a balmy 11 degrees when Duncan and I finished our walk. 11 degrees. Let's think about that for a moment. That's 21 degrees colder than freezing, and it's only December 2. I am definitely headed to the store tomorrow to buy some more long underwear, serious. I think we will need it this year to be sure!
As Duncan and I walked the trail of our favorite park yesterday, in the cold, in the dark, I heard the distinctive hoot of an owl and scanned the treetops spying him in just a few moments. A majestic horned owl, he looked like a cat sitting on top of a tree. He was hooting a bunch, chatting with his unseen mate nearby. I told him he was beautiful. Crazy? Well, I'm pretty sure he could tell by the sound of my voice that I thought he was the cat's meow. What was he thinking? Stupid human, most likely. Ah well, Duncan and I ventured on.
Today on that same trail but near the lake we saw a beautiful coyote. I stopped in my tracks and watched him walk along on top of the iced up lake. The minute he noticed me he stopped and stared. We stood there, eyes locked for a time. He knew he had nothing to fear from me, and I knew I didn't have anything to be scared about either. Finally, I told him not to show himself to too many other humans, it wouldn't be safe for him. Then I wondered how many other coyotes were near as they run in packs like wolves. I sighed and Duncan and I turned away with a wave. Another animal thinking stupid human I guess. LOL.
As we walked though I thought about all the changes that had taken place in just the past few weeks. The big old oaks look a little scary in their nakedness, and the lake has completely frozen over in the past week. A week ago it still was open near the shore. One week. Wow. I thought about what we learned in school years ago, about how lakes have what's called a thermocline and in the summer the warm water is at the top, cold at the bottom. In the fall it flip flops, and the warm water now is at the bottom of the lake, leaving the cold water to freeze. Interesting isn't it?
We've had snow on the ground since mid November here in the Northland, and honestly I'm grateful that it illuminates the park in the dark. Without snow, that park is very dark this time of year, not that I'm scared or anything, but it's tough to walk when you can't see what's ahead of you ;)
So, Old Man Winter has a firm grip on us now. He won't let go for a few months, so I guess I will pile on the layers and just trudge on. The stubborn Norwegian in me won't just stay inside, oh no, it's a mandatory 2 mile walk each day, and I mean to keep it that way!
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