Let's go for a walk ...

The Festival of Winter Walks encourages us all to get outside when it's cold and the days are short. Last year on a walk through the woods, I took a series of photos, converted them to black and white, and love how they look.

Are you ready?

Let's go for a walk ...

I was glad to see this tree hadn't let go of its leaves, it seemed to welcome us into the woods.

The stream below the bridge is frozen and the boards creak underfoot as we cross. Note the white trail blaze. Do you see it?

Snow blankets the ground like frosting ... all the way to the edge of the stream. When we stand still long enough to calm our breathing, we can hear the water trickle over the rocks.

Heart shaped pockets of snow and deep wells around tree trunks.

Today is a good day for a walk. Tomorrow, too.

To make the most of your winter walk, bundle up. Wear layers you can unzip and unbutton as your body warms (and it will).

Grab a hat, gloves, and wear proper shoes or boots. You might also tuck a few hard candies into one pocket ... one for you and a few to share.

Vary your walks from in-town sidewalks to parks, and wooded trails ... to keep things interesting, create challenges for yourself:

- take note (and photos) of seasonal changes

- say hello to everyone you pass

- count how of many and what type of dogs, cats, or birds you see

- take along a snack for an impromptu picnic

- exhale and watch your breath to see which way the wind is blowing

- and be sure to look around ... and up