…down by the river. We got the riverside blues. Stompin’ snowshoe blues.
Actually, that’s not true, but I liked the way it sounded, as if an old PlaidCamper was going to write a song. (I think Bruce might have written a little something along those lines? About the river, not the snowshoes – although he probably could write a great snowshoe song if he wanted to…)
Anyway, we really were down by the river a few days back, and we got there on snowshoes. It was a cold, cold day, and getting colder by the minute as the sun dropped behind the mountains, but it wasn’t a problem. Keep moving, and you’ll keep warm. Mrs PlaidCamper is graceful on snowshoes, moving carefully across the surface of the snow, whereas I’m less graceful and more grateful. Grateful not to fall over as I lumber along. Lithe? Supple? Serene? Nope, not me, just happy to be there enjoying the sights and the light.
We caught sight of our dipper friend, splashing about in the fast flowing shallows, but he was too quick for me to get a shot, and it was enough of a delight to have seen him. He is master of that stretch of river. We saw him again the following day, and it’s getting to the point where we’ll be upset not to spot him. Mustn’t get greedy, but it’s ok to be hopeful!
Fading light, clear and clean air, sharp mountains etched against the darkening sky, and a hint of mist rising up from the river. Throw in a bottle of beer waiting for you back at the cabin, with a book by the fire, perhaps you didn’t stumble in snowshoes – or if you did, it was because it was getting dark – and that there is a fine winter afternoon.
So, no real blues, just the pleasant blues and greys we saw and the camera captured down by the river. A warm snowshoe workout on a freezing afternoon. Snowshoeing is fast becoming a favoured winter pastime for us. Fast? No, it slows you down (or maybe that might be my technique) but you don’t stop for long because moving keeps you warm.
Oh yeah, it was life in the slow lane, and that’s pretty good. We had the riverside blues that lift you up. Don’t worry, I’m not going to write a song about it. Or sing. I’ll leave it there, all peaceful and with the faint hope The Boss might one day write that snowshoe song.
Thanks for reading, please feel free to share a song or a story, and have a wonderful weekend!
OldPlaidCamper 
Oh how I enjoyed your photos and snowshoeing adventure, pc. And as a birder I can relate to looking for the dipper and happy to see him join you…but yikes that looks so very cold. Invigorating to be sure. Happy birthday dear friend.
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It really was so very cold – but in a good way, honest!
Thanks, Jet, for coming along, even with the cold, and for the birthday wishes. I hope your week is off to a great start!
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Love them blues! gorgeous photos and I love your snowshoeing adventure. I have always wanted to try, you make it sound absolutely fun.
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I hope you get the chance to try snowshoeing – it really is fun, although the first couple of times it feels odd, but then you’re up and running. Or plodding…
Have a great week!
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Happy Birthday. I’m hoping to try some snowshoeing this year. We’ve gotten enough snow for it.
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Thanks for the birthday wishes, and enjoy the snowshoeing if you go!
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Hello Plaid Camper – Warm wishes for a Happy Birthday! This is a special year…. Enjoy! May your year be filled with good health and happiness.
Thank you for this beautiful winter post – the blues and greys in the photos are very beautiful and calming. I hope you have a great semester.
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Hello Pandora – thank you for the warm birthday wishes! Glad you enjoyed the photographs, happy to share the lovely light we had that afternoon.
I hope your week is off to a good start!
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It’s always an inspired morning to read your posts
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And happy birthday!
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Happy half century Adam! Don’t worry, it sounds older than it really is. Here’s wishing you many more bluesy, blissful, beautiful winter seasons among the dipper-bobbing, snowshoe-tracked riversides with a blazing fire and a tasty craft beer at the end.
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Thank you, Walt! If the next half century unfolds along the lines you’ve written here, then there’s plenty to look forward to!
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Thank you for your kind words and birthday wishes, much appreciated. I hope your week is going well!
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Happy 50. Adam, many more snowshoeing, freezing cold winters your just a young kid! and yes……down by the riverside, what a beautiful song. Love your amazing pictures and great stories!!!
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Thank you Amy! I really am just a kid, but look a little wizened on the outside…
Have a wonderful week!
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Happy Birthday Oldplaidcamper! Enjoy celebrating in the winterwonderland
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Thank you, John – it’s easy to celebrate up here in a winter wonderland! I hope your week is off to a good start!
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Love the shots with the blue tones and may give snowshowing a try though it might be heck to pay with the one knee joint. . .but I must try. I see it is your birthday, enjoy, and have a good year sharing adventures with Mrs. PC. Thinking there will be even more chances to try snowshoeing etc in our National Parks. We are celebrating our 150th after all.
The Boss, on snowshoes. Why not?
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Thanks, Jane, for your kind words and birthday wishes!
I hope you get the chance to snowshoe, knee joints permitting – it is a wonderful way to see our beautiful country in winter. Yes, 150 for Canada, and that’s considered youthful…
Thanks again, and have a great week!
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Have you ever considered winter camping Adam? You could use a belly sled with the shoes. Of course you’ll need a warmer for the beer so it doesn’t explode!
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It’s funny you should mention the belly sled and winter camping, as it has been on my mind. Shared a documentary with my students, about Ray Mears snowshoeing out in Saskatchewan, and he had a sled, a little stove and small canvas tent – a neat set up, and it really appealed to me. Imagine the quiet! Might be a solo trip, as I’m not sure Judy is quite as interested…
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best to seek out someone who does that & get good advice.A outdoors club I bet will have someone in their ranks? Try setting up in the backyard first would be my advice. Have fun!
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Happy Birthday and I think you may have discovered a new talent, songwriting, for this stage in life. I was imagining your lyrics with the sound of Bruce, the Eagles, Joe Bonamassa or U2. I was listening to the radio the other day and U2 might be celebrating The Joshua Tree’s 30th anniversary this year with a concert tour. Hard to believe it has been that many years. I haven’t been out on snowshoes in years, but was thinking about trying cross country skiing this year. Loved the gorgeous photos, the riverside blues and hope you enjoyed that second bottle celebrating!
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Thank you for the birthday wishes!
I’ve really enjoyed your winter pictures and how you’ve been heading out in what might be a less than favourite season for you (but is that changing?!) Have fun on the xc skis – it’s a lovely way to get out and about!
Yeah, The Joshua Tree is 30 years old. I remember rushing out to get it on the day of release and playing it endlessly. It stands the test of time, that’s for sure!
Have a great week!
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Terrific photos!
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Glad you enjoyed them, Brett, and thank you for stopping by – much appreciated!
Enjoy your week!
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So cold, and SO BEAUTIFUL!! I hope you Birthday was magical! Your photos certainly are. Happy Birthday!
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Glad you enjoyed the photographs – thanks Maria! And thank you for the birthday wishes!
Enjoy your week!
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Love your post❤️
Congrats on 50! The beginning of a new year.
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