Winter on the Hudson

Photos taken today during a visit to one of our favorite parks by the Hudson River. Yes, that is pack ice (no waves) on the river!

Field Trip

The third graders make four field trips to Black Rock Forest, one each season. While there they make observations of temperature (water, air and soil) , plant life, animal life, wind, water, sky, precipitation,etc., both in the forest and at the reservoir. Usually, mostly moms volunteer to chaperone. Today, for the winter visit, it was fifteen dads, my neighbor Sue and me. The Valentine's Party is this afternoon, so I'm guessing the other moms preferred to help at the party, but I'll take Black Rock any day!
It looks cold, but it was a balmy, breezy 49 degrees Fahrenheit with a gorgeous blue sky, hard packed snow on the trails (there was that one place where I stepped through and found one leg thigh deep, but it wasn't on the trail), and 16.5 inches (depth) of ice on the reservoir. I understand that's deep enough for a mid-sized car to safely drive on it (our guide encouraged the kids to jump up and down on the ice!--all together!) The kids' favorite part of the trip?--sliding down the banks by the reservoir!

Black Rock Forest in Winter

Ice and Snow.

Glorious winter! We're getting a storm (or two) a week these days. The latest brought freezing rain on top of the snow. Dropping temperatures ensured the ice stayed on the trees. Photos here show branches of trees and bushes encased in ice.
When the wind blows, ice breaks off the branches and shatters with a clatter on the driveways below.

Images of the Blizzard of 2010

"Tobloggan"

Tobloggan: a vehicle for reporting on Snow Days, closely related to "toboggan" which is a long sled for riding down snow hills.





We have had snow falling (with brief interludes of "snain", sleet, and "snunshine") for three days now and expect it to fall for at least one, if not two or three, more. This means: 1)NO SCHOOL! 2)Snow Shoveling contracts; 3)Snow Forts (also known as "quinzee" snow shelters--we build them in the banks of snow heaped up from shoveling the driveway); 5)Snow Men; 6)Snowballs; 7)Gallons of homemade hot chocolate; 8)Indoor blanket forts and the silly games we play inside them. Whoo hoo! Photos (top: snow forts, middles; snow fort, snow fort topped with snowmen, tree house in snow; bottom: blanket fort, the dog--"Can I go in now?") courtesy DCB.