Contrast
A balmy day by all standards this autumn. Is it still autumn? Seems to fall slowly. In a week we will officially be “winter.” I invite all comers to join me at Indian Creek Nature Center on December 21st at 1:00 p.m. for a Winter Solstice Labyrinth Walk. A 90 minute interlude of quietude. We will gather indoors and either walk the Prairie Labyrinth or do finger labyrinths inside if we so decide.
But, today Nancy Sauerman and I walked the Prairie Labyrinth. How pleased I was to see that we were not the first ones to do so since snow fall. Of course animals – deer and small rodents with diminutive tracks leading from one undercover hideout to another across the treacherous open space of the pathway. Treacherous for tiny creatures that would be a tasty morsel for a hawk, owl or eagle or a fox or coyote.
close up of snow on Cup Plants
The winter labyrinth is very special. Muted sounds, muted color tones. The rich diversity of structures of the forbs and grasses are more apparent now than in summer or early autumn.
This walk was a photo foray and gab fest – not particularly serious – and absolutely delightful…until my feet got cold. Well, I could have worn better foot gear. Lots of fun and we took some pauses to “just be.” Thanks, Nancy S.!
1080 Labyrinth 