Winter arrives in full force.

As predicted, it has snowed. Not a light dusting, or freezing rain type snow or the snow that melts on impact into water. Wet, heavy snow almost 15cm deep in a short space of time.

Overnight, the bleak brown grey of the forest around us has turned into a stark black and white landscape, almost devoid of colour. Tree branches coated in white and the ground the purest hue of white. Clean and untouched.

It brings an odd set of mixed feelings. There’s the dread of long months of monochromatic vistas in every direction and the thoughts of being cut off from everything and everyone for months.

But there is also the peace and tranquility in the forest. The time where nature rests and restores herself. Where the pace of everything slows, and in many cases stops completely. Building it’s energy for the spring to come.

There is still much to do here. And the daily tasks and chores will continue, although they alter from the summer routines. Now it’s clearing snow paths, clearing snow off solar panels, carting firewood and  time for personal rest and reflection.

It’s my fervent hope that this winter brings enough sun so I can run my computer and catch up on many editing projects that have been paused due to lack of time in the summer. Now I have the time, the lack of power may be the thorn in the side. A laptop would be better to do these things, but that’s a future wishlist item.

The snow has been falling all day, and we’ve been in maintenance mode. Clearing some paths immediately around the camper, brushing off solar panels (which got practically no charge whatsoever today, unsurprisingly), and making a dent in smaller tasks we had set aside until now

While the truck started relatively easily today, we had no intention of going anywhere. With almost 15cm of snow in the ground in places, we will limited our attempt to go to town until at least Monday or Tuesday, when the last of our winter supplies should arrive. We’ll also use that opportunity to pick up last minute supplies and items and do one final check of the post box, as we won’t be able to access that until next year.

Despite the grey day, the beauty of the falling snow didn’t escape us. And while it’s a hindrance to many projects and tasks, it’s not unbearably cold, so more an inconvenience than a complete stop to work.  Tomorrow we’re expecting sun, and hopefully a bit more charge on things, and more work outside.

Remy was truly excited to get into the snow today. I don’t think he realises what exactly it is, but he chomps at it like it’s a favorite treat, with great excitement. We have to limit his time outside playing in it, because he doesn’t realise how cold he is getting, and today his jacket got soaked in the falling snow quite quickly.

As the sun sets now, the snow fall has lightened some, and is supposed to dwindle and stop overnight, with skies clearing an hour or two after sunrise. Another day in the forest and at peace amongst the trees and deep in nature.