Tag Archives: Winter

Toto, Are We In Texas Anymore…?

The past two weeks have left those in Texas wondering if they’re really in Narnia. Ice, snow, temperatures down in the low 20’s, waking up to beautiful (I’m sure only to me) white blankets of snow in the mornings. North Texas isn’t prepared for this debacalry which leaves behind accidents, impatient drivers and many people working from home if working at all. On the flip side, did I mention how beautiful it is? For this Vermonter, it’s a little piece of home that I’ve missed and let’s be honest, appreciate.

Let it snow! Let it snow!!!! This is Texas, right?! Who wants to make snow angels?! #VTinTX #LovetheSnow #dfwsnow

A photo posted by Diana Bockus (@downhometraveler) on

Last night we received a little more snow and today I for fortunate enough to work from home and be able to go for a little lunchtime run at the park. I haven’t ran in the park in months due to it being dark out by the time I arrive home. The crisp air has never felt so good with the warm sun at my back. Here are a few photos to share. Perhaps this is the beginning of my writers block. Let’s keep our fingers crossed for future adventures down the road. This little lady is quite ready! Cheers!  

Snow, Arlington Texas, Snow, Arlington Texas,

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If You Haven’t Seen Enough Snow This Week…

New England and the Midwest have been getting pounded with snow and the cold for the last week or so. If they haven’t seen enough, I thought I would share some more. Believe me, if I could partake in all this white greatness, I would. I’d even come clean out your driveways for you!

Here is a little reminder that the snow can be pretty too!

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Today I’m linking up with Communal GlobalThe Jenny EvolutionPhotography Essentials,  and Create With Joy for {Wordless Wednesday}.

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A Winter Hike with Green Mountain Man (and My Favorite Photo of 2014)!

My brother (Mr. Green Mountain Man) and I have a tradition when I visit Vermont, we go on an outdoor adventure. He’s pretty good (really good) at taking me to some of my favorite spots to shoot photos and exposing me to new locations, no matter what season it is. He’s also great at running way ahead of me on a hike and making me feel like I’m a 400+lb person who can’t keep up on a walk. I’m not sure where he gets so much energy! Sometimes I don’t think he’s human (he practically ran up the entire hike up Mount Mansfield).

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This year, we did something a little different – a winter hike. Our first destination attempt was to hike up to the windmills in Eden, Vermont where the view is “incredible”. I don’t doubt that it was but there was no where to park. Good thing there was a backup plan – hiking a trail to a deer camp in the middle of nowhere.

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Mr. Green Mountain Man took this one!

Snow Covered Gate, Vermont, Hike, Winter, Snow, Gate, Fence, Eden Vermont

Completely surrounded by white, glistening trees this is as close as anyone can ever get to a winter wonderland. I’m convinced. The woods were quiet, silent, where you could hear the crunch of the snow beneath every step, the chirping of the birds and the sound of the snow falling from the branches overhead. The sun was shining brightly, making the temperature perfect for a walk. Although it was below 30 degrees, the day was perfect to bask in the beauty of the outdoors.

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We left the truck and began walking on the trail thru the woods. The snow wasn’t that deep, with a small ice crust sitting on top for the extra “crunch” sound with each step. Lucky enough, we didn’t even need our snowshoes. We traveled on. As with every adventure with Green Mountain Man, I hear a “let’s go this way” and off the trail we went. I immediately followed with a “we’ve done this before!”. Our trip just got a little longer. Not much longer as we shortly found ourselves back on the trail.

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The walk led us thru the trees to a deer camp of a friend of my brothers. No running water. No electricity. No plumbing.

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To my excitement, there happened to be a toilet just sitting on the front porch. Although my brother wasn’t enthused (and it took some convincing), my favorite photo of the entire year was born!

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My favorite picture of 2014. It’s perfect!

After a short photo shoot, the hike continued a little farther up and then back to the truck where we parked. Mr. Green Mountain Man made sure we didn’t go the most direct way, circling thru the trees and off the beaten path. (Perhaps we both have that in common, steering off the direct route, him in trees, myself on the roads.) He refused to take a picture of me on this throne previously so I had to settle for this log. He made it quite known that if I was to fall backwards, he was prompt and ready with the camera.

Vermont, Hike, Winter, Snow, Forest, Snow Covered Trees, Richford Vermont, Green Mountains

Vermont, Hike, Winter, Snow, Forest, Snow Covered Trees, Richford Vermont, Green Mountains

I think he was praying that I’d fall backwards…

We made it back to the truck, a little exhausted but both glad we had that chance together. It was such a beautiful day, the weather in the 20’s but with the snow, it was perfect. Our own snow globe!

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Thanks again Mr. Green Mountain Man! You are the best!

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Now onto the next adventure, who knows what it will be!

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