Walking in Narnia

White-out walking (taken on auto-exposure - camera on fence post - hence white-out!)

I watched the film of the first episode of The Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe - on the television last night. Today we have been enveloped in what is said to be the worst snow conditions for 30 years  - but to me it has been a wonderful segment of time-out-of-time.

I tried to use the confined-to-indoors time sensibly to begin with - paying bills, getting down to some academic work, creating new writing course plans for 2010 - but the flakes of snow past the window wove a spell and sang a siren song to me to come out to walk and play. In the end, I gave in, pulled on thick socks, walking shoes, a heavy jacket and hat, and set off with my camera to walk through Great Pen Wood. I was alone there - except for one other solitary walker, who I met on my way back. (A woman with a Polish accent and a wistful tone to her voice as she walked in the opposite direction and exchanged pleasantries with me. Is it fanciful of me to think she was reminded of the landscape of her own homeland?)

The woods seemed to belong to me, enveloped by the continually falling  snow, surrounded by birch trees, conifers and silence. All the accoutrements of daily life fell away, and for a couple of hours it was just me, alone in Nature. Quite beautiful, totally magical.  One of the special times of my life - another raft of memories, tucked away on film and in my mind. More treasures that cannot be stolen away.

Come walk through this afternoon's Narnia in North Hampshire with me now - can you hear the silence...can you feel the snowflakes on your skin?

(Click on any image to see a larger version)

Snowflakes falling in front of the Pink House

Not many gardeners buying plants today

Oh, my - those power cables look risky - PLEASE don't let us down!

Down into the woods - transformed into enchanted space and time...

Birch trees shoulder to shoulder

A log-pile, offering haven from the chill to many small creatures

A clearing in the trees and a brief lull in the snow

Under the great conifers - a few blackbirds sheltering here...I wished I had brought some crumbs of food...

Normally deep green rhododendrons, laden with snow

Three elegant trunks

The other solitary stroller

'The Fox-run' - a pathway which I have spotted a fox crossing on several occasions

More snow starting

Home again...and time for a cup of hot chocolate by the stove!

Comments

[Britt-Arnhild]

We saw a clip from Northern Hampshire in our news today, about the snow. I know it makes huge problems for you, but honestly, if Norway should stop for snow like this, we could hibernate for several months :-)

A lovely post Roz. I wish I could follow you on your walk. An icy cold spell has hit us so it is not possible to walk at all, only to the bus stop when you have to go to work........and then it feels like the tears freeze in your eyes.

[carol]

Another beautiful post Roz. I had to chuckle at Britt's comment about the snow in Norway. Some parts of Maine received two feet of snow a few days ago. We lucked out and got only a foot which is on top of the foot we already had. But that walk was wonderful Roz. I'm gearing up for the next one.

[mary lou middleton/Texas]

Your photographs are breathtaking. I have experienced light snows but nothing as beautiful as this. You were walking in a winter wonderland. Thank you so much for taking me along with you.

[Sherrill]

Such a beautiful countryside in the snow...thank you for sharing.

[Gracie]

I'm crossing my fingers for no more snow, I'm supposed to fly to London on sunday....

[Margaret Lambert]

We don't get a snow of more that a couple inches often enough to see it as ordinary; in fact, with the drought we have had for over a decade a good, wet snow is much appreciated. Far better to be enjoying it than shivering in the dark!

[sonja poor]

Roz, what beautiful pictures! Thanks for sharing so many. I'm glad you took the time to go out and to take these lovely images to share with all of us. We are actually getting a very light dusting of snow ourselves this evening. Not much accumulation is expected. I look forward to visiting and reading this new blog.

[PaulaH]

Wow, Roz, these are some of THE most beautiful winter photos I've ever seen. You DO like in a place of exceptional beauty. I very much look forward to following your wanderings and wonderings on this new blog.

[Brigitte]

Thanks a lot for taking us with you on your walks! :-) Great idea for this new blog which will be just another highlight in our daily lives.

[Ardi]

What gorgeous scenery. I can imagine the peacefulness of the lane where a snowfall has turned what is already a beautiful walk into an enchanged wonderland. your pictures capture the tone and elegance of each tiny branch.

[Leslie Garcia]

Dear Roz,
Your photographs are splendid! I can feel the silence and breathe in the air..just from your pictures! It truly does remind me of Narnia! I feel lighter already...You are so right about memories...and family, contentment and peace.
Happy New Year!
Love,
Leslie

[Boyd]

It's all so lovely! Love the new blog!