Okay, so it’s only 12 degrees out this morning, but the sun is shining and not a cloud in the sky, at the moment, anyway. Rare for Wallace in the winter. So, Clifford and I decide to go for a little outing close to home. We both have a busy day lined up, but this is too good to resist. We bundle up in winter clothes and head to the Pulaski Trailhead, just a couple miles out of town.

Although down in Wallace the trees are are, here they are snow-covered,

We don’t know how far we’ll hike in, as it is quite chilly out and the trail is mostly in shadow this time of year.

Even though I’m dressed warmly, gloves light enough to finger camera dials are not quite warm enough to grasp ski poles (safer than hiking sticks on the snowy trail) comfortably.

But it is easy to ignore the cold fingers as I become enchanted with taking photos of snowy trees and ice on the creek.

Snow changes the look of everything. All becomes fresh and new.

My goal is the bridge at the half-mile marker, as that is where my favorite waterfall is located. I’m not sure we’ll get that far what with the deeper chill in the sunless forest. I stop often to take photos (while Clifford waits patiently) and before we know it, we have arrived at the falls.

It looks so different with all the moss hidden under a layer of snow, and now it is the surrounding trees that make this a special wonderland.

I feel blessed to be here at this special place. Soon, however, we head back down the trail and find great delight in reaching a spot where the sun shines through the trees.

What a great outing: beautiful and refreshing!