Living in the Southern Plains, snow is not guaranteed. Usually we’re good for a few snowy days a year, but not lately. The past few years have been remarkably snow-free.
But there is a lot to be said for a good hike on a snowy day. When it snows here, I don’t hunker down. I get outside. There’s nothing quite so beautiful as a forest with a fresh coat of snow.
These photos were taken on a modest five-mile hike at Tulsa’s Turkey Mountain Urban Wilderness Area over the weekend after a two-inch dusting overnight. By the time you read this, almost all of this snow will be gone. Hence the urgency to get out there and enjoy it.
The Cityplex Towers framed by snow-covered tree limbs.
Being in the middle of a city, you get a good mix of woodland and urban scenery. This view was a good example of that.
Moonscape, along the ridge at Turkey Mountain.
Sadly, I wasn’t up early enough for first tracks. But it was still pretty cool.
Snowy singletrack.
Not a lot of packed snow, and the trail was muddy and icy. But not too bad.
Leaving the ridge and looking south on the Powerline Trail
Snow and ice on the powerlines made a very audible buzzing sound. That was weird.
A natural arch.
Even though we’re in winter, fall is stubborn in these parts. Some plants refuse to lose their fall foliage, even when weighed down by snow.
Detail shot of frozen foliage.
I dig the optics of a winter close-up.
Anyway, nothing profound or earth-shattering here. Snow is somewhat of a novelty in my city. Although I grew up in snowy places as a kid, being away from its regularity has made it fascinating again.
Enjoy your winter, folks.
Bob Doucette
