Yellow birch, rising sun

A cold walk this morning led to a classic forest scene, the sun rising by a beautiful tree.

Cocoa Pumpernickel

Fresh from the bread machine: the beauty of a loaf of cocoa pumpernickel.  

Tree Hall of Fame

If a Tree Hall of Fame existed, this afternoon's brisk walk led to time at two of them.  First, the property's greatest red oak.  Next, and about 250 feet to the south, snow sticking to what has been dubbed here as "The Loveliest Paper Birch in the State."

Sunny before storm

We appear destined for several inches of snow on Tuesday.  The wonderful sun today took quite a while to warm things to about 20 degrees.  The morning low stood at minus 19.

During an afternoon walk, a snow covered, spring poled apple, doomed to the chainsaw later this year, leans into a neighborhood dominated by young birches.

After curving on the big loop trail back toward home, a wonderful collection of yellow birch stood not seeming to mind another cold day.

Curved Oak

Although snowbound for what will likely be months, Curved Oak Trail still functions, as this up close picture of the namesake tree proves.  Snow has stuck to the western side of the trunk thanks to winds from yesterday.  With many winter gales in the past and perhaps 250 more years left, the resolute red oak has much to endure.  Better than any other species in northern New England, the oak will do just fine against whatever nature can dish out.

Holiday storm

We received six inches of snow across the holiday weekend.  The forecasted accumulation of Saturday did not happen, but Sunday and this morning made up for lost time.  We are still a bit under 30 inches for the season.  Temps will be seasonably cold for the second half of January, and a bit more snow is projected for this week.

The really battered, still living red oak doesn't seem to care.  Some wet snow was seen sticking to the damaged yet beautiful tree this afternoon.

Better with birches

Whether it's the most perfect day imaginable, or a dreary January afternoon with a very grey sky, any moment is better with birches.