Day 120 - Cold Weather Walking

Vultures at Rest

 Today I just needed to walk -- really walk.  Walk off a morning of mainly sitting, walk off the big breakfast I ate, and walk just to get some speed up, since my recent walks in snow and ice have not allowed for any sort of speed.

I chose a new subdivision near where I live.  There has been a lot of earth-moving going on there lately, which I take as a sign that the developers are optimistic about the chances of selling off 30 or 40 new lots.  I walked on new roads with just a gravel base and then through the rest of the established portion of the development.  During my walk, I saw a couple of hawks and a deer.  Nothing was really close enough to photograph.  On my way out of the neighborhood, I spied a couple of tall pine trees with at least 40 turkey vultures perched among their branches!

The temperature was 34 degrees, with overcast skies and no wind.  As I was walking, I was pondering what in the world to write about in today's entry, so I decided to share with you my cold weather walking tips.

First of all, dress in layers, because you may get a little warmer as you walk.  You might want to either remove a layer, unzip your jacket, or follow the suggestion of dressing a little cooler than you would for standing around outdoors or sitting at a football game in winter weather.

I wear a pair of leggings under my jeans and an undershirt or camisole under my top.  You could invest in a luxurious pair of silk long johns, which I would probably do if I lived in Maine.  My Maine friend Chris suggested to me that I wear a pair of knitted leg warmers, which could be pulled off after my walk.  This would be very handy if I were going to run errands or eat lunch in a restaurant afterwards.  My top is usually a turtleneck.  I am so glad I did not throw away all my ugly, faded turtlenecks from the 90's!  They are coming in very handy right now.

Muddy Ice

I have a mid-weight winter coat that I am using right now.  I might have to get a down-filled jacket from LL Bean if we get any sustained stretches of days with high temps in the 20's and wind chills of even lower.  I have a hood on the coat, which really helps to break the wind on gusty days.

For winter footwear, I wear tall socks (not the low top ones) with my sneakers.  If it is slushy or raining, I wear my rain boots with a super thick sock like hunters wear.  If it is snowy I wear my lace-up waterproof hiking boots, again with the super thick socks.  I have not been walking yet in snow that is taller than my boots, but if that happens, I do have a pair of winter snow boots I can break out.

I wear a hat or band that covers my ears.  I recently bought a hat that has a small feminine touch, but those Scandinavian hats with the ear flaps are appealing, too.  The only problem is that I get an awful case of hat hair when I take it off.  I also wear a scarf that is not scratchy or itchy.

I wear my North Face eTip gloves, but they are a little thin, which is great for using the buttons on my camera, and I have a pair of flip-top mittens that I can pull over the gloves.  My friend Joan recently gave me a new pair of thicker, fleece lined gloves with the touch sensitive tips, so I wore those today.  Thank you, Joan!

Don't forget to wear a skin moisturizer with sun block and to take along a lip balm.  Cold weather makes for dry skin and lips.  Sunglasses may be needed, too.  And last, but not least, my number one cold weather accessory is a package of tissues!  Cold weather makes your nose run, and believe me, it will!

Snow and ice also present challenges about where to walk.  I don't want to slip on icy sidewalks, and if the road has been plowed, it is difficult to walk in the street.  I much prefer walking directly in the snow, such as in a field or in a park.  It just seems so much safer than taking a chance on the slippery stuff.

For my readers who live in warmer climates, none of this advice pertains to you.  However, feel free to sympathize with those of us who are out walking in the cold.  The fresh, brisk air we breathe in while we are walking is keeping us healthy (or so I tell myself!).




Hurricane Sandy Relief: Donate to the Red Cross, and I will mail you a 5 x 7 print from any of the photos I have posted on my blog OR any photo on my website.

Forward to me via email a receipt for donating to the Red Cross. Tell me whether the photo is from the blog or the website, and Include its title along with a mailing address. The name on the receipt to the Red Cross must match the name of the mailing recipient. Send the receipt and the photo request to camscamerashots@gmail.com.

Click on any photo to enlarge it.

*************************************************

Visit my web site: camscamerashots.zenfolio.com
Follow me on Twitter: @camscamerashots

Cam's rules for the Daily Photo Walk:

1. walk every day
2. the walk must be in addition to any other planned activity for the day
3. post a photo every day
4. use my Nikon P7100 (it is a very convenient size and weight)
5. no weather excuses
6. walk only where it is safe to do so

Day 119 - Fountain Rock Nature Center

Feather

Reflected Trees

The nature center where I walked today, Fountain Rock, is a place where I had been in the summer.  I knew there were ponds and paths and good photo ops, so that is where I headed.

I had the place to myself, unless you count the flock of Canada geese.  The center is built at the ruins of an old limestone quarry.  There is a lime kiln on the property, which once crushed and burned the rock from the quarry to make limestone to fertilize the local fields.  There is also a playground, a pavilion, and a nature center with displays and activities.

I got some good pond reflections today.  For once the sky was blue!

Pods

Quarry and Shed

Goose Prints

Reflected Trees 2

Hurricane Sandy Relief: Donate to the Red Cross, and I will mail you a 5 x 7 print from any of the photos I have posted on my blog OR any photo on my website.

Forward to me via email a receipt for donating to the Red Cross. Tell me whether the photo is from the blog or the website, and Include its title along with a mailing address. The name on the receipt to the Red Cross must match the name of the mailing recipient. Send the receipt and the photo request to camscamerashots@gmail.com.

Click on any photo to enlarge it.

*************************************************

Visit my web site: camscamerashots.zenfolio.com
Follow me on Twitter: @camscamerashots

Cam's rules for the Daily Photo Walk:

1. walk every day
2. the walk must be in addition to any other planned activity for the day
3. post a photo every day
4. use my Nikon P7100 (it is a very convenient size and weight)
5. no weather excuses
6. walk only where it is safe to do so

Day 118 - Macro in the Snow

It snowed again today, so even though the roads were fine for driving, I decided to walk in a weed covered field near my house and use the macro setting on my camera for some ice and snow shots.  Doesn't my little camera do a good job with hand-held closeups?

Flakes on my scarf

Frozen chunks of candle wax

Iced milkweed

"Pinhole" look on Queen Anne's Lace

Wicked cold teasel

Hurricane Sandy Relief: Donate to the Red Cross, and I will mail you a 5 x 7 print from any of the photos I have posted on my blog OR any photo on my website.

Forward to me via email a receipt for donating to the Red Cross. Tell me whether the photo is from the blog or the website, and Include its title along with a mailing address. The name on the receipt to the Red Cross must match the name of the mailing recipient. Send the receipt and the photo request to camscamerashots@gmail.com.

Click on any photo to enlarge it.

*************************************************

Visit my web site: camscamerashots.zenfolio.com
Follow me on Twitter: @camscamerashots

Cam's rules for the Daily Photo Walk:

1. walk every day
2. the walk must be in addition to any other planned activity for the day
3. post a photo every day
4. use my Nikon P7100 (it is a very convenient size and weight)
5. no weather excuses
6. walk only where it is safe to do so

Day 117 - Havre de Grace, MD

Swimming along in Havre de Grace

Another fantastic walk!  I just loved Havre de Grace, and I am already planning a return trip.  There is so much to see, it is so beautiful, and I just couldn't take it all in in one walk.

Can you find Joan and me?

Havre de Grace, or Harbor of Grace, is located at the top of the Chesapeake Bay, at the mouth of the Susquehanna River.  It has a history all the way back to Captain John Smith, when he sailed up the Susquehanna in 1608.  In 1782, the Marquis de Lafayette noted its resemblance to Le Havre, France, and he suggested the name of Havre de Grace, which the citizens took to heart.  It is also most interesting to note that were it not for the tie-breaking vote of the speaker of the house, which he cast in favor of Washington, DC, Havre de Grace would have become our nation's capital in 1789.

The Havre de Grace
United Methodist Church

Today, Havre de Grace, aka HDG, is a tourism magnet, with its beautiful port, its bridges,  and its close proximity to I-95, making it easily accessible from the Baltimore metro area and Wilmington, DE, alike.

The VFW Eagle

My friend Joan and I parked at one end of town and began our walk in the historic district.  It was before 10 a.m., so none of the stores were open, but frankly, the downtown has fewer gift shop/boutique places than Chesapeake City does.  There were some antique shops, some professional offices, a VFW, a hair salon, a bank, and so on.

We walked through most of the downtown, then veered off onto some side streets, lured by a beautiful large Methodist church that had a European look with its green copper trim and large granite stones.  The pastor, Reverend Norman Obenshain, gave us a personal tour of the church, relating its interesting history.  It was built by a local businessman  and former mayor, Mr. Stephen Seneca, who offered to build the church in 1901 if the congregation would provide the heating, lighting, and furnishings.  Joan and I had seen the Seneca Canning Company, now an antiques mall, previously on our walk.

So typical for Maryland!

Upon leaving the church, we walked along Revolution and Union Streets, admiring stunning Victorian homes.  Many were bed and breakfasts, so I noted a few to return to in the spring.

After we finished our walk and Joan left for Baltimore, I drove around more of Havre de Grace, finding a waterfront park, the harbor, a lighthouse, and more.  That's why I need to go back -- there is so much more to see!

Yellow and gray shoes under yellow and gray door;
how could I resist this shot?

This reminded me of French Country homes.

No color saturation applied -- honest!

Inside the church -- built in the Akron style.

Beautiful stairwell

Pink Victorian

Stone Victorian

Hurricane Sandy Relief: Donate to the Red Cross, and I will mail you a 5 x 7 print from any of the photos I have posted on my blog OR any photo on my website.

Forward to me via email a receipt for donating to the Red Cross. Tell me whether the photo is from the blog or the website, and Include its title along with a mailing address. The name on the receipt to the Red Cross must match the name of the mailing recipient. Send the receipt and the photo request to camscamerashots@gmail.com.

Click on any photo to enlarge it.

*************************************************

Visit my web site: camscamerashots.zenfolio.com
Follow me on Twitter: @camscamerashots

Cam's rules for the Daily Photo Walk:

1. walk every day
2. the walk must be in addition to any other planned activity for the day
3. post a photo every day
4. use my Nikon P7100 (it is a very convenient size and weight)
5. no weather excuses
6. walk only where it is safe to do so

Day 116 - Chesapeake City

House 1

Bridge over the C&D Canal

Today I had the pleasure of  meeing my friend Joan in the historic little town of Chesapeake City.  It is in northern Maryland near the top of the Chesapeake Bay.  Actually, Chesapeake City is on the C&D Canal, which connects the Elk River (which is a tributary of the Chesapeake Bay) to the Delaware River, which flows into the Delaware Bay and eventually into the Atlantic Ocean.




Christmas Fish

The town of Chesapeake City has had its ups and downs over the years, according to the history you can read at this link.  Today it is a pleasant place on the National Register of Historic Places, with gift shops, boutiques, restaurants, and bed and breakfasts.

Although it had not snowed in Chesapeake City, they did get plenty of rain yesterday, and today it was cold and blustery, with cloudy gray skies.  Occasionally the sun would peak through.



Best View in Town

Well Used

Before we began our walk, Joan and I went to the local cafe and had hot tea and hot chocolate.  Then we walked up and down the streets, noting which shops we wanted to visit when we were done with our walk.  Of course, we made a couple of purchases, then ended our walk with lunch at the Bayard House.  We also made a visit to Steve Gottlieb of Horizon Workshops, walking up to his third floor gallery.  He had the best view in town from his wavy glass windows.



Double Doors

Former General Store

Tonight we will spend the night in Elkton and continue our adventures tomorrow.  I love exploring Maryland, as you may know by now, even if the weather is not always best for outdoor photography.



















Hurricane Sandy Relief: Donate to the Red Cross, and I will mail you a 5 x 7 print from any of the photos I have posted on my blog OR any photo on my website.

Forward to me via email a receipt for donating to the Red Cross. Tell me whether the photo is from the blog or the website, and Include its title along with a mailing address. The name on the receipt to the Red Cross must match the name of the mailing recipient. Send the receipt and the photo request to camscamerashots@gmail.com.

Click on any photo to enlarge it.

*************************************************

Visit my web site: camscamerashots.zenfolio.com
Follow me on Twitter: @camscamerashots

Cam's rules for the Daily Photo Walk:

1. walk every day
2. the walk must be in addition to any other planned activity for the day
3. post a photo every day
4. use my Nikon P7100 (it is a very convenient size and weight)
5. no weather excuses
6. walk only where it is safe to do so

Day 115 - Stayed Close to Home

This morning around 8 a.m. it started to snow.  By 9:30 it was coming down pretty well and the forecast was calling for a couple of inches of snow before it all turned to rain this afternoon.  It is now 11:45, and it is still snowing a little, but sleet is mixed in.

I know that I have been wanting it to snow, so that I can go out and get those great shots of lone trees in white fields, but to tell the truth, because I live by myself and have no one to go with me for a drive out on rural roads in the snow, I err on the side of caution and stick close to home.  For me, the best kind of snow would be the kind that starts at night, and by morning, the roads are clear and then I can get out in it.

So for today, I walked for 45 minutes in my neighbhorhood.  I layered up and headed out.  Walking in the snow (about 2 inches deep) was easy, and because in this area we may get even more, according to the latest updates, perhaps tomorrow I will get those snow shots I want.

When I got home I shoveled the steps and the walk and filled the bird feeders.  I hung the new snowman bird seed feeder that my daughter gave me for Christmas near the dining room window, hoping to attract a few to the front of the house.

It's time for hot cocoa and a good book.

Hurricane Sandy Relief: Donate to the Red Cross, and I will mail you a 5 x 7 print from any of the photos I have posted on my blog OR any photo on my website.

Forward to me via email a receipt for donating to the Red Cross. Tell me whether the photo is from the blog or the website, and Include its title along with a mailing address. The name on the receipt to the Red Cross must match the name of the mailing recipient. Send the receipt and the photo request to camscamerashots@gmail.com.

Click on any photo to enlarge it.

*************************************************

Visit my web site: camscamerashots.zenfolio.com
Follow me on Twitter: @camscamerashots

Cam's rules for the Daily Photo Walk:

1. walk every day
2. the walk must be in addition to any other planned activity for the day
3. post a photo every day
4. use my Nikon P7100 (it is a very convenient size and weight)
5. no weather excuses
6. walk only where it is safe to do so

Day 114 - Snowy Poolesville

Poolesville's Landmark Building

Ring the bells!

"I heard the bells on Christmas Day, their old familiar carols play..."  This was certainly true for me as I was doing my walk this morning in Poolesville, MD.  I had just taken a photo of the Episcopal Church when the hand-pulled bell in the steeple began to ring.  There was a service going on inside the church, and the bells were heralding both the end of the service and the birth of Christ.

It snowed yesterday, and in Poolesville, there was a little less than an inch on the ground, but it was just enough to coat the sidewalks and make walking on them very tricky.  Remembering my fall only a week ago, I chose to walk in the street, where it was safer.  There was little to no traffic today, as well.

No burglars today...

Self Portrait

Poolesville is best remembered from my childhood as the little town we drove through when we were taking White's Ferry to Leesburg, VA.  Other than a big leap in growth of subdivisions surrounding the area, the center of town is relatively unchanged.  A big bank building sits in the center of town; it was later used as the town hall, and now it is owned by a historic preservation society.  Small churches and a gas station, a few private residences, and a few stores comprise the center of town.

I need to revisit Poolesville and make trips to the ferry (still operating across the Potomac River), the C&O Canal, and other historic sites.  But today, my walk in the streets, avoiding the slick sidewalks, was enough.

I'm off to see the grandchildren this afternoon.  Merry Christmas to all!

The sidewalks

Hurricane Sandy Relief: Donate to the Red Cross, and I will mail you a 5 x 7 print from any of the photos I have posted on my blog OR any photo on my website.

Forward to me via email a receipt for donating to the Red Cross. Tell me whether the photo is from the blog or the website, and Include its title along with a mailing address. The name on the receipt to the Red Cross must match the name of the mailing recipient. Send the receipt and the photo request to camscamerashots@gmail.com.

Click on any photo to enlarge it.

*************************************************

Visit my web site: camscamerashots.zenfolio.com
Follow me on Twitter: @camscamerashots

Cam's rules for the Daily Photo Walk:

1. walk every day
2. the walk must be in addition to any other planned activity for the day
3. post a photo every day
4. use my Nikon P7100 (it is a very convenient size and weight)
5. no weather excuses
6. walk only where it is safe to do so

Day 113 - Twenty Doors of Christmas

It's Christmas Eve, so I thought it might be good to walk through my little town of New Market.  After all, I have been out admiring so many other little towns, and I knew that New Market would be equally charming, especially on Christmas Eve.

I had fun collecting these twenty doors of Christmas.  It was sort of tricky, on the doors with reflective glass, not to get myself in the picture.  A little careful angling when I took the photo and then a little careful distorting in Photoshop helped to keep me out of focus.  I was happy so many of the doors did not have glass!  Another thing I was grateful for was that most of them did not have cars parked in front, so I could easily stand to get the shot.  Before I get comments that I should turn these photos into one of those "Doors of New Market" posters like they have in towns like Annapolis and Williamsburg, rest assured that that is something I am considering doing -- after the New Year.

I am having a quiet Christmas Eve tonight with my parents.  I'll go with my mother to hear her sing in the choir, and we'll have a nice dinner.  I'll spend the night there, and then tomorrow I will take dinner over and visit the grandchildren....if I can find them under all the wrapping paper balls and empty boxes that will surely be strewn about the living room.


I'm so grateful that I am able to do these walks every day.  So many people are so stressed and busy this time of year that a photo walk would be out of the question.  However, I have the time, the ability, and the resources to pull it off, and I am happy to share my little adventures with you.  I'm even more thrilled that you choose to follow them.

Merry Christmas, everyone!

(Click on any photo to enlarge.)

Hurricane Sandy Relief: Donate to the Red Cross, and I will mail you a 5 x 7 print from any of the photos I have posted on my blog OR any photo on my website.

Forward to me via email a receipt for donating to the Red Cross. Tell me whether the photo is from the blog or the website, and Include its title along with a mailing address. The name on the receipt to the Red Cross must match the name of the mailing recipient. Send the receipt and the photo request to camscamerashots@gmail.com.

Click on any photo to enlarge it.

*************************************************

Visit my web site: camscamerashots.zenfolio.com
Follow me on Twitter: @camscamerashots

Cam's rules for the Daily Photo Walk:

1. walk every day
2. the walk must be in addition to any other planned activity for the day
3. post a photo every day
4. use my Nikon P7100 (it is a very convenient size and weight)
5. no weather excuses
6. walk only where it is safe to do so