Salute to an exceptionally long and snowy winter !

It’s the last day of April and finally beginning to feel a little bit like spring in the Wasatch mountains and valleys after one of the snowiest winters in decades. As we welcome spring, feel the warmth of the sun’s rays, breathe in the fresh spring air, and hear the cacophony of birds starting to return from their winter homes, it felt befitting to give the long winter the farewell it deserves.
This has been one of the snowiest winters in a long time in Salt Lake City, the mountains and ski resorts in the region having record snowfalls, starting from late Fall, to about mid-April.

Winter, a snowy one at that, brings about a stillness, quietening and above all a reminder to slow down, watching every foot we place on a icy snowy ground, or driving with a caution on the slippery roads and to me feels like we humbly bow down to Nature and her might. Taking a walk or a hike after a snow storm after blankets of snow envelops the mountains and valleys, is one of the experiences I cherish and look forward to. These photos are of some scenes and sights on my winter walks from early November to late April through this long winter.

As we welcome spring, its with gratitude we bid farewell to the long winter, which may have restrained us movement but then brought the much needed precipitation, to these parched lands, and our our water ways bringing rejuvenation and new life !!
Quoting the beautiful poem “Ode to Winter” by Susan Jarvis Bryant,
“…Your presence comes with promise to excite
With dreamy scenes of lacy flakes of snow.
__You leave blue souls aglow
With memories of Christmases of white—
Your shining shawl of glory swathing earth
__As sleigh bells ring.
I know your rage and grace. I know your worth.
I know your savage splendor gift-wraps Spring.”