Predictably, every year at least one person, on finding out I live in Florida, says something like, "But don't you miss the four seasons?"
Of course, those people don't realize that a summer in Wisconsin can include all four seasons. Autumn arrived a couple of weeks ago, and close on its heels, that first breath of winter.
Herewith, the first fairy dusting of snow, which arrived this morning just after breakfast and has continued throughout the day. I left my home this afternoon and drove up to the second highest point in the state of Wisconsin, and the state's highest ski hill, Rib Mountain State Park, overlooking the city of Wausau to get a better look.
Enjoy.
(Be sure to start the soundtrack below first for full effect:)
That first little fairy dusting of snow outside my bedroom window about 9 o'clock this morning.
A log in a lakeside park overlooking Lake Wausau.
Behind all that white is the highest ski hill in the state of Wisconsin, and the second highest point in the state, Rib Mountain.
Road leading up to Rib Mountain State Park. I decided to go to the top to investigate.
Look carefully, and you'll see a mother and baby deer in the middle of the forest.
I got further up the park road, and there were no other tracks. I hoped the heavily laden trees wouldn't come down with the weight of the fresh snow.
Yes, the guard rail is there for a reason.
Top of the ski hill, one of the runs, not open yet, but soon enough.
Campground entrance at Rib Mountain State Park. No intrepid souls braving the weather today in a Winnebago or otherwise.
Rocky mush.
The amphitheater overlooking the city of Wausau. Ordinarily one can see for miles from this point. You don't see the city below? No?
Your guess is as good as mine. Hope it wasn't important.
Another try at overlooking the city. It's disappeared like Brigadoon.
Snow-covered rail fence at the amphitheater, overlooking the city.
Snowy leaf in red granite.
Rocks atop Rib Mountain.
I guess lunch is off. I was apparently the only one here.
Self-explanatory.
Back to the fairy dusting in the woods near my home in town.
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Ted Frier
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In the meantime, you can go to Chicago Now's @redeyechicago blog who graciously also posted my pics:
http://www.chicagonow.com/blogs/redeye/2009/10/chicago-snow.html/
Hope
Rated.
these are wonderful...
We get a dusting of snow like this in the Heart of Carolina once or twice a year if we're lucky. More likely to get ice than snow, sadly.
R-R-R-Rated!
The pix are beautiful, and I apprecaite seeing them. Reminds me why I live in FL. Pix like yours allow me to enjoy their beauty in the warmth of my lanai. ;>D Give me the best of both worlds. Thanks!
Walter, I adore Sturgeon Bay. We used to go over to Door County in early October every year to visit friends there, haven't been in too many years, sadly.
Hope, yes, Wisconsin is beautiful, as you know, in your corner of it. Thanks.
Ted, thank you. I got cold making them.
Thoth, I so agree. The trees in May are equally gorgeous.
Beth, thanks very much.
Gary, ditto, and you're welcome.
CarolinaBlue50, I've actually been in a snowstorm in the Carolinas once, so can appreciate.
Rod, I'll be down there soon enough, and for a reason. Yesterday there was a 70 degree difference between southwest Florida and the Wisconsin northwoods.
Librarienne, Michigan is so very similar, and has some gorgeous pockets. I can well appreciate.
Thanks everyone for so kindly receiving these pics. The snow is still coming down.
looks like that there winter thing is gonna happen again this year.
but I'm sticking it in Michigan. I figure that if you put meat in the freezer to keep it fresh then staying here will slow down aging.
Kirsten, makes sense that you'd prefer a really cold winter to make it more tolerable. At least summer is coming in your corner of the globe.
Traveller1, I thought so, was actually unusually excited about it today. But perhaps that's because I don't have to stay for the worst of it, which ends up being mud in March and freezing rain in May.
SuznMaree, Brigadoon is a favorite. I searched and searched for the right leaf to shoot up top on Rib Mountain, was very happy with that pic. Once you understand the role and presence of red granite in the area, it makes even more sense.
Cathleen, my grandchildren lived in Atlanta for several years, and we did occasionally see a snow there when visiting, but nothing like here, which always drives them back up to see it in wintertime.
Stim, I did pass a couple hiking with a dog on the way down, a lovely day for it if you're dressed warmly.
Kate, thanks, and thanks. Gracious of the eds to do it when my downloads were kiddlewampus.
Harvey, you're welcome.
Sao Kay, fortunately, my drive to Rib Mountain takes less than ten minutes when I'm in town. Any snow in your neck of the woods yet?
It occurs to me that the pic that ended up on the cover looks a little reminiscent of Short Circuit standing next to an outhouse. Maybe it's just me. Quirky pic.
Thanks again everyone for the kind words on this post.