A Solstice Wander Through The Winter Forest

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Beginning

Today is a Solstice wander through Odessa Gorge to one of my favorite Lakes in the Park: Fern Lake.   The winter forest picture composed of Barren Aspen trees, grey skies, a snow – covered road together with only the sound of a single hiker’s micro-spikes scraping across the ice create a sense of isolation and longing.   A longing to intimately experience the forest, to bathe in the chilly air, soak in the isolation of winter, and discover the treasures held within.

Sound of Silence

The forest is quiet, save for the wind rustling through the trees.  Silence is pierced by a Raven’s Caw, Caw as it floats along the thermal flows.  Additionally, a peep of a bird, a chatter of a squirrel echo in the distance as I make my way along the snow – covered trail.

Bright Red Berries Contrast the Winter Forest

Shrubs, grasses, trees have all turned their winter brown.  A few red berries catch the eye as the color uniquely stands out against the browns and yellow of shrubs and the white snow blanket.  In due time, they will be a nice treat for some forest dwellers as the winter moves into its deep slumber.

A break in the forest gives me a first peek at the river.  Once winter sets in, sheets of ice stop the flow of water, creating a river of ice. Nevertheless, a few rebellious rivulets of water slither beneath the ice, in defiance of the inevitable freeze.  The trail climbs gently up and away from the river.  My eyes scan the blanket of snow for clues of who has been wandering the forest.  The freeze melt cycle has muddled most footprints, but some tiny mouse prints, and rabbit tracks are still clear along the edges.  To my delight, a fresh pile of moose poop is in the middle of the trail!  My heart jumps with joy and anticipation of meeting my moose today.

Pool for Critters to Drink

Within a short time, I arrive at The Pool to find open water running noisily around the frozen rocks and logs.  Animal prints gather at the edge of running water.  As the winter progresses it will become more difficult for the smaller animals to access water, so I am glad to see the prints and to know they still have access to this life- giving element.

Winter Forest Orchestra

When I leave the Pool, the trail steepens as it climbs towards Fern Falls.  Snow is deep and loose, slowing my progress and causing my feet to post-hole through the snow.  A chilly wind relieves my brow of sweat.  The sun continues its slow traverse across the winter sky, leaving the forest in shadow.  In the shadow, an orchestra of wind and trees create the soundtrack of the forest.  The sound of wind blows down the gorge as a distant low rumble and arrives with a blast of cold air and a loud whoosh as it continues its way.  Trees creak under the strain of wind.  Each with its own tone and tempo – one is a deep, slow groan, another a rapid high – pitched screech.  A moment is stolen to close my eyes and just listen.

Frozen Fern Falls

Further along the trail, I arrive at Fern Falls, locked into its silent winter state of ice and snow.  The Summer roar of the Falls is replaced by a chirp, some chatter and most often by the stillness of the forest.  Trees at this higher elevation have kept their tufts of frozen snow on their branches.  A tall tree with a crook at the top catches my eye and I stop to wonder what caused the crook and marvel that it still grew tall and strong.  I contemplate the possibility of reincarnating into a tree, imagining what it would be like to be that tall Aspen with a crook at the top. 

Lost Feather

The trail contours around the gorge when all of a sudden, in the middle of the trail I come upon a tuft of feathers with skin attached.  The plumage has soft, grey down on top of more coarse black feathers with a stripe of ivory.  The tuft lies softly on undisturbed snow with ice crystals that fleck across the top.  I look around to see the rest of the story and quickly find large cat prints leading up the embankment.  No trail of blood is to be seen, but the outcome is certain.  I offer a short mantra of Om Mani Padme Hum that floats along a breeze into the forest.

A Winter Forest Icy Welcome

I arrive at the last climb before the lake.  The trail is devoid of footprints, but my feet know the way.  Each step crunches as my feet break through the crust and drop into the deep snow.  As I step into the opening of Fern Lake I am welcomed by a blast of wind.  I quickly pull my hood over my ears to fend off pellets of wind – blown ice.  My hood does nothing to muffle a joyous giggle that is quickly snatched by the wind. 

Frozen Fern Lake

Presently, Fern Lake is a winter wonderland. The palette of grey skies melts into the landscape of frozen Fern Lake, interrupted only by green trees sprinkled with white snow, as well as the sharp edge of the steep rock formations. It is a cold, foreboding place that also captures the imagination. However intriguing, the cold wind chases me back to the shelter of trees where I take a moment, put on some layers and eat a snack.  Some hikers come by and chat briefly, laughing expectantly about the blast of cold air they will experience likewise.

Winter Forest Surprise

Pulling my pack on, I continue my way down the trail.  Just before Fern Falls branches breaking draw my eye and there she is!  The shy, slight of build female moose I have seen over the course of the last four years!  Just as quickly as she appears, she disappears into the forest.  But I am so happy to see her.  It has been a year since I last saw her in this drainage.  Relief is accompanied by a smile.  I wish her well and thank her for showing herself to me today.

A Sunny Finish

The sun has finally gained enough height to clear the high edges of the gorge, marking the transition from morning to afternoon and allows me to enjoy the warmth on my back as I descend to The Pool.  It offers a place of rest where I can take a moment to enjoy a sip of warm tea, letting the sights and sounds of the forest soak into my being.  My tea gone, it is time to finish the last piece of trail. As much as I love each wander, there is always an end that sparks the imagination.

By the time I get back to my car, the skies have cleared to a deep blue, allowing for an iconic picture of Odessa Gorge and my beloved Longs Peak.  My soul has been replenished by this lovely wander through the forest to Fern Lake.