Skiing in the Secret Valley
I never thought I would see the day when I was able to ski through the secret valley.
How I wish that the photo above was a possibility here. Well I don't, to be completely truthful - I rather like having the secret valley to myself! This shot was taken many years ago in the Kandersteg area of Switzerland when I could ski reasonably well. It is typical of my luck to discover a sport I was good at but couldn't practice easily in my own country!
But for a short time, at least, the ski trails start from my door. And suddenly the valley appears transformed. Perhaps it is due to the mesmeric sound of the skis swishing their way along but the scenery is seen in quite a different way. And the silence is more noticeable too - all is still and quiet apart from the tinkling of water and ice.
Until you reach the mill race where the water thunders down leaving mini icicles clinging all along the splashed and steep banks. It seems a far cry now from when, on hot days, we dam the water's exit to raise its level, and swim in the torrent. A jacuzzi spectacular! Oddly enough, the water is warmest where the water crashes down upon you which is invigorating, to say the least.
Onwards to tranquility again and the split willow - my favourite tree in the secret valley and featured in an early post, Willows, which describes how they become these extraordinary shapes. The river is quieter again now and the semi-domesticated geese that belong to someone a mile further downstream take advantage of having survived yet another Christmas feast.....
Home exhausted, but more aware of my surroundings, I notice that even everyday items, such as our rather boring garden furniture, look more interesting when covered in snow. And we have icicles too - haven't seen those in years!
How I wish that the photo above was a possibility here. Well I don't, to be completely truthful - I rather like having the secret valley to myself! This shot was taken many years ago in the Kandersteg area of Switzerland when I could ski reasonably well. It is typical of my luck to discover a sport I was good at but couldn't practice easily in my own country!But for a short time, at least, the ski trails start from my door. And suddenly the valley appears transformed. Perhaps it is due to the mesmeric sound of the skis swishing their way along but the scenery is seen in quite a different way. And the silence is more noticeable too - all is still and quiet apart from the tinkling of water and ice. Until you reach the mill race where the water thunders down leaving mini icicles clinging all along the splashed and steep banks. It seems a far cry now from when, on hot days, we dam the water's exit to raise its level, and swim in the torrent. A jacuzzi spectacular! Oddly enough, the water is warmest where the water crashes down upon you which is invigorating, to say the least. Onwards to tranquility again and the split willow - my favourite tree in the secret valley and featured in an early post, Willows, which describes how they become these extraordinary shapes. The river is quieter again now and the semi-domesticated geese that belong to someone a mile further downstream take advantage of having survived yet another Christmas feast.....Home exhausted, but more aware of my surroundings, I notice that even everyday items, such as our rather boring garden furniture, look more interesting when covered in snow. And we have icicles too - haven't seen those in years! 
You have more snow than I have in Toronto, what is going on with this world?
ReplyDeleteDeborah
Isn't it lovely how snow can make almost anything beautiful? I love your pictures of the creek and the rushing water. I hope you post photos of the area during the summer. It will definitely be refreshing during the heat of the summer to see how green and lovely it is.
ReplyDeleteThe weather around the world is bizarre at the moment and, if the forecasts are accurate, likely to become more so.
ReplyDeleteI can't imagine Toronto not being deep in snow in January, Deborah. And, Noelle, I can't wait for warmth and lush greenery in the secret valley again. It must be a sign of my getting older!
It's so unusual to see all of that snow in England, but it feels the same way in Atlanta! Only a couple of inches here, but it's lasted a week, which is unheard of! Your photos are exquisite! Can't wait to be in your part of the world again later this year.
ReplyDeleteAnd here we sit, in a ski resort town, with NO snow. Such a weird winter. Although it's nice to see your friends making the best of it. The photos are just lovely.
ReplyDelete