Transition to Winter

It’s hard to believe that just over three weeks ago, we set off for a hike on a pleasant, late autumnal day. As we drove to the start point, the trees on the hillside were ablaze in the morning sunshine. A vista of russet and gold, quite a spectacle! Today, with a morning temperature of minus five degrees Celsius, I imagine a beauty of a different kind; of black and white silhouettes, the leaves dropped and branches weighed down by snow.

Yesterday, we donned our boots and tramped through the snow to Chasewater country park. It was worth the trip, the surrounding woodland reflecting lots of light from the snow, and looking very picturesque! There is a reservoir there, originally designed as a feeder for Birmingham canals, but also home to a variety of waterbirds. In the freezing temperatures, the canal (Anglesey branch of the Wyrley & Essington) on the other side of the reservoir had frozen over!

Last month I took some photos of the area, and yesterday decided to try and replicate some of the shots, to capture the changing seasons. You can see the difference a few weeks makes!

 

 

 

With the canal frozen over, some of the swans were resting on the snow encrusted bank. The first one, almost camouflaged!

We are fortunate to live close by to such a beautiful space!

Photos: Chasewater country park 11/12/17 HB