Nature Center

  

  

  

 

 

       

I've been rediscovering so many lost treasures from my youth lately. Places so near to me, so within my reach, and yet, I seem to have forgotten about them for years...20 or 30 years to be exact (perhaps even longer...) This Nature Center is closer to us than the nearest beach, we have passed it so many times over the years without ever giving it a thought. I was there once as a child on a class field trip. I barely remember it existed until recently I was talking with a friend about possible hiking areas close to us, and I was reminded of this hidden treasure. Over 400 acres of beautiful land to hike, covering two states. We took a short hour 1/2 hike down one of it's trails, only to discover that we had barely even grazed the edge of the terrain. I'm so excited to have rediscovered such a vast area of land to explore. After we got home and S was drifting off to sleep, I asked her softly what she thinks about as she closes her eyes, with a smile she said; "Well, I think about nature walks and all the beautiful things to see. That's what I want to dream about." That is my girl. I can't imagine a more peaceful way to fall asleep. In the spring, when the land is coming alive again, and nature's paintbrush is busy coloring the world once more, there will be so much more for us to explore and to discover. I can hardly stand the wait to travel down these paths again with Sunny and her daddy by my side.

 

Also, 

I have a small confession to make... I do feel a bit lost while out taking pictures this time of year. Usually there is so much snow, and it would be too cold for a little one to be out in mid January for more than a short period of time. This year is so different though. I'm thrilled to be out and about, hiking in midwinter, however, everything seems to be just one color...brown...and dead. I'm sure there is beauty there and I just need to be more still and look closer for it. That is not always easy with a wee one on the go. So, there are many shots of trees today (I happen to love trees though, so I hope that's okay!) few of S because she wasn't wanting her picture taken (too busy removing her mittens and eating snow I suspect.) and just perhaps, you are growing a bit tired of seeing my mug. When I'm having a hard time finding things to photograph, I get itchy fingers and turn the camera on myself. ( I do think we would all secretly like to have that one good picture of ourselves, just to know that one exists!)

Do you have any suggestions or hidden tricks for winter photography? 

What do you take photos of when you get into a rut?

Did I mention that this Nature Center has an Apple Orchard and a beach, events such as; moonlit snowshoe hikes, making maple syrup and organic gardening? There is also a summer camp for children. 

So much to look forward to!

xo