Stepping Thoughtfully into the Year
The high mountain beauty of early January is extraordinary. Snow laden conifers, rock people with funny snow hats, and crisp, clean air. This is a scene for adventure and reflection—where young men on heavy duty back country skis made their way past us to the high ridges, and we two older women and our little dog walked steadfastly, slowly through winter’s beauty.
Ann pausing to admire snow laden silver fir trees in the high country
Christina pausing as we cross a bridge.
Vivi, dwarfed by snow-covered trees.
Our dear little corgi, Vivi
With a challenging political year ahead, it felt important to surround ourselves in pristine quiet to mark the beginning of the year. In Christian theology Epiphany marks the end of the 12 days of Christmas—a time we usually take down our tree and take up our schedules. This year we also headed to the mountains for a day of snowshoe hiking and reflection.
Exploring the mountains in winter is not a casual endeavor and at our ages we have agreed not safe to do solo. Put the chains in the trunk. Make sure the gas tank is full. Carry extra layers of clothing and food for both the dog and us. Be sure snowshoes and poles are in working order. Watch the weather!
In the summer a Forest Service road into the high country—in the winter a path to incredible beauty.
We spent three hours wandering up a snow-covered Forest Service road. Temperatures were above freezing with minimal wind. The trail was packed enough for easy snowshoeing and our little dog could range free to sniff and explore.
Sun coming through snow-covered trees
Distant snow-covered peak beginning to show through the clouds.
It is a great privilege to be able to do even a day-long trip like this in our mid-and-late 70s. We have health. We have resources. We return home holding onto visions of high-country calm as we enter the rainy green of coastal life. Epiphany means to perceive the essential nature of something. This mountain beauty will help us navigate the year ahead. Life is surprise: there will be delight and challenge—that’s what the mountains say.
Happy New Year everyone! Let us not forget the “Happy” part. All photos by Ann Linnea and Christina Baldwin—be sure to click the “Vivi running” video for a guaranteed smile!
That definition of epiphany will carry me far. Watching Vivi running was a joy! Soaking up the pristine peace in the photos. So happy you could get out and take all of that in. Thanks times a hundred! I think it is the little joys and appreciation of them that will see us through.
You are so welcome, Jana. Your response is exactly what I hoped for! Blessings, Ann
The pictures of your day in the snow were wonderful. I appreciated you taking me along with you for the outing…
Abbie
You are welcome! Thank you for joining me. Ann
In Minnesota we don’t have a drop of snow. Thank so much.
I know, Larry. It is the second year in a row you’ve had a barren winter. Sorry.
So beautiful Ann and Christina! I’m so glad that you have the health to be able to walk in such beauty on a regular basis. Keeping you whole, happy, and safe does the same for all of us.
Thank you, Diana! Yes, we are very fortunate and seek many ways to share that good fortune. Blessings, Ann
Dear Ann,
Thank you for this lovely meditation. Your thoughtfulness and sense of calm pervade your entire reflection radiating what we all need at this moment in our lives. Thank you for this rich blessing. I needed this very much today. Carol
You are most welcome, Carol.
Wonderful photos and wonderful thoughts.
There is much to do this year…with love and mindfulness.
I love how you chose to begin it!
Yes, beginnings are so important—they help us chose the right path.
So sweet to think of the two of you out there skiing away. And what comes to me is that quality of sound when you’re surrounded by snow. I’m missing that. But maybe an upcoming trip to Minnesota will allow me to get out there.
You are right about the quality of sound on the snow—QUIET. And one correction: we were snowshoeing, not skiing. Snow has always been magic and fun for me—even living in northern Minnesota for 15 years and doing more than my share of shoveling and tricky driving. Ann
This is just the best! I really “should” try snowshoeing. (I would need to find a place with clear roads though. I don’t have chains, and have never put chains on!) Maybe I’ll start meadow roving earlier this year, on snowshoes. If they offer a training. You are inspirational. And oh, Vivi. See you this weekend!
Meadow roving early in the season seems a great idea for your first snowshoe. They really are not that hard to use and provide such joy and access. See you this weekend! Ann
We felt the peace and saw the beauty, but missed the cold. Gorgeous pictures. Thanks for delivering a little magic, Ann.
You are welcome, Jeanie. The winter is, indeed, magical under the right circumstances.
Oh, your photos and words made for a wonderful mind travel into the snowy mountainous landscape and trees! Thanks for that new year’s gift, Ann! My cheeks are rosy red, my hair matted from layers of hats on my head, my body feels so perfectly worked out, and my soul is singing. Vivi topped it off with her smiles of joy at frolicking in the snow! Ahhhh. Much gratitude for your sharing! xxx
You are welcome, Jeanne. I know you know the joys, preparations, beauty, and fun of being in the winter landscape. We often live vicariously through Vivi. Ann
I just loved seeing this! There is nothing quite like the feeling of strapping on spikes or snowshoes and making tracks through a silent wonderland. As others have mentioned, it is a really wonderful way to step into this new year. Thanks for sharing your beautiful day. I’m inspired! You two are amazing !
You are welcome, Bonnie. I know you know the inspiration of taking yourself out into the big wide world to remember and remember and remember why we are all here. Ann
And here we are on the other side of the planet roasting in 34C heat (94F) not able to even imagine the snowy cold! I just harvested tomatoes, basil, peaches, plums and nectarines from my trees. Thanks for the reminder of the big world we live in and reasons to pause before the year ahead sweeps us up!Linette xxx
You are so welcome, Linette. And when we came back home the next day in our coastal green, we moved the leaves back and discovered our garlic is beginning to emerge from the earth! Our precious earth provides and provides and provides. Bless you in your own harvest. Ann
you always provide us with important reminders of whats ‘really’ important, no matter what else is happening in this ever changing world. Our beloved living earth and our relationship with her sacred life, the true gift within which we all live. Grace! Gratitude, dear friend. Anne
Thank you, my friend. I know you know and believe and act that very same way. Love,
Ann
What a snowfall! What a beautiful way to step into a new year. Your words, images, and clip of Vivi brought a warm smile. Much love and kindness to you all.
And right back to you! With appreciation for your comment. Ann
Thank you Ann for the beautiful pictures and thoughts to start 2025.
“Life is surprise: there will be delight and challenge—that’s what the mountains say.”
I like what the mountains say.
I do, too, Ken! Thank you for sharing. Ann
Truly a blessing to step into the new year by immersing yourself in the essential nature of Nature. So deeply grateful for the gift of incredible beauty and calm you shared.
With appreciation for joining me! Let us continue to share the beauty of the world around us as often as we can. Ann
I caught myself smiling and breathing deeply as I read this and looked at the photos. What a magical day for the three of you.
Appreciate hearing from you, Laura!
Thanks for sharing this beauty virtually for those of us who can’t do the trip. I could feel the crispness and sun – and joy!
And thank you for taking the time to write! Always a joy to see your name on the page. Ann