First Snow
“When I no longer thrill to the first snow of the season, I’ll know I’m growing old.”
Phase 1: Meadowlark Trail
The tradition continues as KR, S2, G, T, and S gathered for the annual pre-Thanksgiving BNO celebration. The primary goal of this off-season adventure is to shed a few calories before tomorrow’s feast.
Per BNO by-laws, our intrepid explorers met at Coalton Trailhead for a jaunt up and down the Meadowlark Trail. Accompanying them was a first-of-the-season snowstorm. Also some cows, cyclists, joggers, rocks, and the musky smell of wet hay.
Most of people we passed en route seemed cheerful and amused, despite—or because of—the snow.
Upon reaching the fence-line terminus, we posed for the usual summit photo. Our initial attempt ended ignominiously when the camera, which was balanced on a fencepost, plummeted to the ground, having been knocked off balance by a spring-loaded gate, which S inadvertently allowed to slam as he rushed to beat the shutter timer. Ironically, the resulting ground-based photo was the best image of the night (see above).
The second attempt was better, with a gentle gate-closing that allowed the camera to remain on the fencepost [1].
Having successfully captured the group shot at the summit, we turned around and trudged back to the trailhead, concluding Phase 1 without injury, and just a little after dark.
Phases 2, 3
Everyone headed home for some warmth and hot food, and ready to meet again tomorrow for turkey and all the trimmings.
Me, I went home, ate some stew, turned on the fireplace, and watched Frozen.
❅
Photographic Notes
Sadly, the remote-shutter-via-cellphone technique didn’t work this evening, probably because the cold battery prevented the camera from broadcasting its wifi network. Also, the phone app demanded acceptance of a new privacy policy, which didn’t help matters much in the middle of a snowstorm. Thanks Sony.
Meanwhile, my Nikon refused to focus on anything interesting, probably because it was covered in snow, not to mention having a low battery and an inept operator. The viewfinder was hopelessly fogged, and the LCD live view focused (or not) anywhere except the center of the frame. Perhaps a tripod, and a little more patience, would be helpful in such circumstances.
Note to self: wrap the camera in a plastic bread bag or something, to keep it out of the elements. Also, check the remote-shutter app before any excursions.
