There is nothing in the world more beautiful than the forest clothed to its very hollows in snow. It is the still ecstasy of nature, wherein every spray, every blade of grass, every spire of reed, every intricacy of twig, is clad with radiance.
~ William Sharp
With each snowfall, the forest acquires a new wardrobe. Each branch of tree and blade of grass is covered with a new garment of white. These evergreen branches seem to have fingers that are now gloved in snow.
The air is cool and the snow is sparkling clean. Who would have thought that January’s white clad woods could be as refreshing to the spirit as June’s green ones?
The positive effect isn’t just a visual one. Snowfalls actually help clear the air of pollution. This is especially helpful for people suffering from airborne allergens.
Fresh fallen snow also traps sound waves between its snowflakes. Even a light layer of snow on the landscape will absorb some of the ambient noise. It’s no wonder that a newly snow-dressed forest seems so peaceful and quiet.
It is not so much for its beauty that the forest makes a claim upon men’s hearts, as for that subtle something, that quality of air that emanation from old trees, that so wonderfully changes and renews a weary spirit.
~ Robert Louis Stevenson
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Oh that is beautiful. Truly. This is one reason why I can’t understand those who say they hate snow. How can one look at this type of beauty and feel hatred? That just stuns me.
It’s been over a month since it snowed in MN, and today it’s raining. These pictures have been a welcome respite. Thank you.
Kate, snow brings with it so much extra work for some people. Maybe that’s why they dread its arrival. On the other hand, I’ve never known a child that didn’t delight in seeing snow falling in anticipation of being able to play in it.
Thank you for sharing these photos and thoughts. I’ve often pondered how peaceful forests make me feel. You’ve found words that catch a glimpse of their power.
Yousei, it doesn’t matter where forests are on the planet, they seem to have that same positive effect on people, regardless of the season or the types of trees and plants that grow there. They are wonderful.
I can barely wait for spring..to see who this forest looks after rejuvenation. Meanwhile, I must drink these lovely words!!
Swaps, spring is still a long time away in Nova Scotia. It won’t be until late April and May that things will begin to look spring-like.
“Fresh fallen snow also traps sound waves between its snowflakes.” I did not know that!
What beautiful photos! They almost (almost, I said) cause me to resent the dry, spring-like week we have had here in the
Fraser Valley of BC. ;-D
Ha ha Joan! I remember those mild winters and spring flowers beginning to bloom already in February.
That is pretty cool about the acoustic qualities of snow isn’t it?
Hey Amy, I, too, didn’t know about the sound/snow thing so I thank you. On my walk through our woods with the dogs, I was thinking, and I can’t believe I’m going to say this, that a new freshly fallen snow would be good to brighten up things up again. Though winter lasts a bit too long up here, it is a magical season. Your photos are beautimous! 🙂
Thanks Cindy. It is beautiful. It’s said that love is a blanket that can cover a variety of ills and so it is with snow. I makes everything seem fresh and new.
Everyone loves pretty, new-fallen snow that doesn’t have to be shoveled. Dale Reedy, my plow guy, loves all snow (right up until about the end of March when he begins to hate it, but that’s another story).
Gerry, if it weren’t for having to shovel snow, many Northerners wouldn’t get their much needed exercise during the winter months. Shovelling does have its down side though. Two of my mom’s friends died of heart attacks after shovelling their driveways. Who knows how many folks your friend Dale keeps alive through his work?
Beautiful! I didn’t know about the sound waves, either. Ah-ha. That explains the hush in the forest after than new-fallen snow.
Kathy, hush is such a perfect word to describe the effect of new-fallen snow.