Saturday Nite Special

I haven’t been taking many pictures recently. One can only take so many pictures of the sun glistening on a pure white field, or stately trees with limbs delininated by a snowy covering.  Then one decides that winter can–just–be–over!

My friend Kate saved me, thank goodness

Yesterday she suggested that we take a walk at Viles Arboretum.  Located in Augusta Me, Viles is 124 acres of fields, trees and ponds for locals to walk, ski or snowshoe.

–The Mission of the Viles Arboretum is “to promote the knowledge and appreciation of Maine’s trees and other flora for people of all ages by offering opportunities for education, recreation, and inspiration”–

It was the inspiration for many pictures yesterday

While one’s first thought might be “more white fields and bare trees”, Viles has added some interesting eye appeal for the winter visitors.

 

                                 

What a sky we had! When we strayed off the path beat into the snow by the skiers and snowshoers, we went knee-deep into the snow–or deeper. The sun was so bright and strong that the snow was softening and melting under our feet.  In the trees we didn’t have to worry about the soft snow, but there were other things to worry about……..

  ………like giant swooping owls!

made of smooth granite with marble eyes and beak, he was a sight to behold!

 

As we left the woods and traveled out into another huge field, we found more sculpture.

                                                      I edited this one, I found it quite Poe-esque

 Even bright and clear, this skeltal tree and iron                                        bird has a bit of mystery about it.

As we left the field we passed one of the many benches scattered around  for people to rest and view nature. There would be no resting today, as the bench seat was just uncovered by the sunshine.   We slid down a hill in the woods to a wooden bridge, and we found a trail wound among some huge pines. I think that Kate and I would have had to join arms to reach around some of them. As we came to another bridge by Viles Pond, we saw a chipmunk skittering from tree to tree. He was a bit camera-shy, and wouldn’t give us a good shot of him. Climbing the hill from the pond, we followed the deer prints. Even they had sunk in deeply, it is amazing the amount of snow we had this year.

 

It was just over a mile to walk around the outside trail. With all the sculpture and Mother’s Nature’s work, it would be worthwhile on any day.   On such a gorgeous day with a fab friend, it was magnificent.

This marks the entrance to the trail