Snow city!

A week ago, a record was set for a warm late October day here in Calgary. A normal Chinook-related event, or global warming? There’s quite enough hot air and waffle out there on this, but I will say that even if you are inclined to deny climate change, don’t you think it is wise to take measures? Just in case? Climate change aside, any steps taken are still going to be beneficial, don’t you think? We like to breathe clean air, drink clean water, enjoy hugging trees, think nature documentaries on TV are cool, and admire the beauty to be found in many of our backyards and local areas around the planet. These are worth protecting, aren’t they? Go ahead and deny the science – that needn’t be incompatible with recycling, developing alternate energy, and reducing your pollution footprint. Just saying, even if you are a denier…

Anyway, back to last week. Seems a long time ago, because Calgary is now Snow City, and I couldn’t be happier. If you’re living in a snowy environment right now, I hope you’re enjoying it. Me? I love it (ask me again in six months – I might offer a different opinion!) Getting out in snowscapes, taking brisk walks in crisp air, then back to warm up, and a Scandinavian noir to read while wearing one of those woollen sweaters that Norwegian detectives all seem to have… (huh?)DSCF6342

I enjoy the first real snowfall because once the leaves have dropped, Calgary doesn’t look so great in the fall. Imagine the following scene without the snow: (to be fair, you might not like it with the snow…)

DSCF6388
I can see our house from up here (it’s the one with snow on the roof)

We woke up to snow yesterday morning, and it has been falling gently ever since, covering the grey and brown with a fresh coat of white. The plunge from above 20C to minus 10C was a bit of a shock, but I say face it head on and be quick, rather than endure a slow wet descent towards the inevitable. I think we’re still talking about winter here.DSCF6381

There I was yesterday, excitedly rooting around for winter boots, gloves and a toque, eager to get outside and experience the first chill and thrill of the new winter. I kept to the bluff behind our building and the wooded path leading down to the river. I like to see the light white giving everything else a bit of definition. There’s still colour out there to enjoy, and the snow helps it to stand out.DSCF6374

A magpie flew between trees and branches straight at me, quite a sight, turning away at the very last and landing a few metres up the slope. He scratched about in the snow, foraging and coming up with a morsel or two. When I was atop the bluff I could hear, but couldn’t see, geese. I wonder if they’re stopping here for the winter? Some do, near to the downtown. Later, should the winter provide lots of snow, the grasses and logs will be covered, and the ponds and river will freeze over. I guess it will be tougher for any birds sticking around.

DSCF6400
Bleak, this one, like in a Scandinavian noir. The Bridge?  Oh, yeah, they did that already…
DSCF6360
Colour

I recently finished watching the first season of Fargo. Highly recommended if you are a fan of darkly comic winter noir. Well written, great acting, and beautifully shot, with Alberta standing in for northern Minnesota. Why would I mention this? Well, I was reminded of Fargo when that earlier rummaging for a hat I mentioned above resulted in this:

DSCF6406
Fargoesque?

Thanks for reading, and have a wonderful weekend!

DSCF6401
The Bridge 2 (was also very good)

Published by

plaidcamper

I am a would be outdoorsman - that is if I had more time, skills and knowledge. When I can, I love being outdoors, just camping, hiking, snowboarding, xc skiing, snowshoeing, paddling a canoe or trying something new. What I lack in ability, I make up for in enthusiasm and having a go. I'd never really survive for long out there in the wild, but I enjoy pretending I could if I had to...

16 thoughts on “Snow city!”

  1. Ooh I am a fan of Fargo, I think that there are three seasons, catch all of them if you can. Snow is up the road from me somewhere, probably all of my favorite stomping grounds. For now no snow for us. Lovely photos, enjoy your snow and weekend!

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Margaret! I hope you get the chance to enjoy some snowy scenes when you’re ready for it. Quite the painting challenge I’d imagine…
      I’ve just started to watch season 2 of Fargo, and it’s just as good as the first season.
      Have a great week!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  2. I like the close-ups, they are picturesque. I think it was quite pretty outside with the branches of the trees covered with the snow.Hopefully i will get out there and take some photos myself, not much time since I started school.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Jane! The city looks better in snow, to my mind anyway.
      I hope school is going well for you, and you’re able to get out and enjoy the wintry scenes soon.
      Have a good week!

      Like

      Reply

  3. It’s been several winters now that I’ve been following along here, pc, and you really do love the snow. Although I do not share this passion, you make a good case here. Beautiful photos, too. I especially like the snow-covered berries and the magpie. And had to smile at the fargo hat. Fun post, well written, and as always, a joy, my friend. Have fun!

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Jet! Yup, you’ve recognized my childish delight, especially when the first heavy snows arrive. It’s always a thrill, or maybe it’s simply the chance to break out the odd looking headwear…
      I hope the weather is being kind to you, and you’ve been able to make some progress up on the mountain and on the page. Busy, busy times for you, I know.

      Like

      Reply

  4. Thanks for the great winter preview here, PC. The snow-covered bush, the winter magpie, cityscapes under a fresh blanket of white. I share your enthusiasm about the first snows and early winter (in my case, losing that seasonal rush when winter changes its tone and becomes more like an endurance contest). It’s still November dreary here (elections tomorrow don’t seem to offer much hope), with the feeling that climate change has got a grip on things both near and far– but let’s not talk about taking on precautionary measures, people, let’s not talk about making common sense! Here’s hoping you enjoy real winter fun this season.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Walt! A dreary November and electoral woes can’t be much fun. Maybe you’ll get a splendid snowfall, and instead of depressing news coverage, you can get out and enjoy natural coverage. Beats listening to news on the radio – isn’t it all fake anyway, like that global warming nonsense…

      Like

      Reply

  6. Wonderful to see the arrival of winter in your area, we had a little snow on Halloween and have a chance for more snow tomorrow. I always look forward to the snow, but wish we had more days with blue skies instead of so many bleak grey days. I really enjoyed season one and two of Fargo (especially Billy Bob Thornton and Martin Freeman) and was surprised that even though I usually like Ewan McGregor, I did not finish season 3. I loved the Kurt Wallender series by Henning Mankell and his other novels, but have not made much progress trying to read Jo Nesbo. I haven’t watched The Bridge and will check it out, but I loved the first two seasons of the British version, The Tunnel. Wonderful photos, especially the Fargo hat.

    Like

    Reply

    1. Thank you! My favourite winter conditions would be -10C with snow on the ground and blue sky above. We had a couple of days like that over the weekend – perfect!
      Read the Henning Mankell series and enjoyed the melancholic tone throughout. Caught the final Kenneth Branagh episodes not so long ago and it was a good effort on the last book.
      Not seen The Tunnel, but I highly recommend The Bridge, thought it was gripping stuff.
      Hope all is well with you, and your week has been enjoyable so far.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

Leave a comment