“Around the next bend, the forest glowed in rusty orange, inviting me forward from the snow-filled pines. It truly feels like a time of fire and ice.” – Ed Lehming

As I sit and write this post, the world outside my window is filled with ever deepening snowfall. A major winter storm came in last night and continues this afternoon. So far, over 40 cm have fallen, and though the end is promised, the storm seems to have different ideas. So, it gives me time to reflect on yesterday’s images.

It’s a far cry from yesterday’s crisp air and bright sunshine. I knew this storm was coming so made a point of getting out on the trails before the snow started falling. I’m glad I did, because it will take a while for roads to become safely navigable again.

As I stood at this bend in the trail, I was keenly aware that I had photographed it on several previous occasions. It’s a location that is just naturally photogenic with its many layers and tones. Yet, the forest is a living thing and always changing, so I should not have been surprised that it offered me a slightly different aspect of itself yesterday.

What caught my attention, as a I approached the bend, was the warm orange tones emanating from the beeches and a few maples which had, for some unknown reason, not shed their leaves yet. The resulting glow was further enhanced by the low winter sunshine. Overall, I find it a very calming scene and a lovely reminder of why I spend so much time on these local trails. Even on the coldest winter days, they have gifts to offer me. Sometimes fire and ice show themselves in the same scene.

iPhone 12 Pro @ 4.2 mm
1/405 sec, f/1.6, ISO 32