Impression Evergreen

Silent Shadows at Dugout Creek "In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks." ~ John Muir This past winter, western Nebraska was a wonderland. Wandering around in bad weather, I wasn't expecting to find much during my nature walk. Surprisingly, the normally stark Sandhills sparkled with a glow not usually seen. The wide, blue sky was a dramatic backdrop enhancing the deep, white snow. The abandoned Northport school was eerily concealed by a congregation of old cottonwoods. Down the way, strange, dark shadows stretched quietly across Dugout Creek. Where the river ran high, a persistent heron hunted along the mighty North Platte. Flitting swiftly through a yellow thicket, resident sparrows searched for corn while perched on a high snag, a striking kestrel kept an eye out for unsuspecting prey. South of the settlement where whiteout conditions existed, Courthouse and Jail were mere apparitions barely visible above the creekside campground. Ther...

Snowy Elk Meadow "The closest thing to Heaven on this planet anywhere is a quiet Christmas morning in the Colorado snow." ~ Nitty Gritty Dirt Band We finally got our snow just in the nick of time. It has been so dry we thought it was going to be a brown Christmas. The severe drought means less rain during the summer and not as much snow in the winter. Sure, it's been nice to walk around in short sleeves  and not have to shovel the driveway but something just doesn't seem right. Lakes are drying up, trees are dying and the animals are getting edgy. We needed the snow. Winter in Evergreen lasts about six months and it can be a struggle. Heavy snow, high winds and bitter cold make life difficult but that's how it's supposed to be this time of year. There is something special about the mountains after a big storm. The peaks appear higher, the air seems cleaner and the sky looks bluer. The hearty inhabitants love a white Christmas and are delighted to celeb...