Winter Wonderland: Part 2

We had a break in the good weather on Thursday. It warmed up considerably, hitting the mid to high 30's. The snow was slowly melting, but we could go outside with just hoodies for warmth. We decided to take another hike down the trail and see if we could go even farther.

I didn't want my camera to get wet from snow-melt off the trees, so I left it in the cabin. And good thing, too. Perhaps a half mile from the house a light drizzle started. Before we hit a mile, it was actual rain. We decided to cut through the trees to the lake and hike back on the open flat. The dogs perked up when we turned back to the house, running farther ahead and rough-housing with each other.

It shortly began to hail and thunder.

Maxwell looked like a drowned rat. Sadie didn't seem much affected. We were trying not to get stung in the face by the rain and hail mix. Needless to say, we were all quite happy to be back in front of the fire again!

The next day it got a little colder again, hovering around freezing. The crunchy re-freeze on the ground was tough on the dogs' feet, so they both were kept booted outside. It did mean easier walking for the humans, though. We didn't sink as far down.

That night it snowed. A lot.

We woke up Saturday morning to the most perfect cover of fresh powder that you could ever hope for. It was bright but cloudy, and warm enough to be fun without melting the new snow. The dogs dove into it. They bounded through the trees, leaped between boulders, and generally acted goofy.

Two of our neighbors passed by while we were outside. They were skiing on the lake, and we chatted for a bit. Their spaniel made friends with our pups. She was adorable.

It began to snow again in the afternoon. Not just a flurry, but a white-out fall of fat snowflakes. It was absolutely wonderful.

 The view across the lake

We ran around on the lake with the dogs, playing with a squeaky ball. We played chase. We even got them to jump the giant snake we had made out of snow! Sadie didn't care, as long as she got the ball. Maxwell was a little more cautious about the mound of white.

It was the best afternoon ever. Ever. But the rest of that tale is for another post.

The heavy snow was fun, but it balled up terribly in Maxwell's fur. He would have to stop playing every once in a while to bite it off. I tried to help as much as he would let me, but it must have hurt when I pulled. I was able to clean out his feet, and a little off the insides of his hind legs. Mostly he wanted to do it himself, though.

We had one last night, with a partial view of the stars. It's really amazing how many you can see without all the light pollution we're used to at home. While we were admiring the constellations, the pups (leashed) were wondering what was in the forest at this hour that might be fun to hunt.

The dogs were definitely sorry to leave, as were we. But the week of hard play definitely too a toll. They were extremely good in the car home, and quiet for several days as they regained their energy. Maxwell bounced back first, of course.

Now we can plan winter 2013...