The sound of my skis, following a path left years ago. The tall hardwood trees move with the wind up high. Every now and again one of their trunks makes a brittle, deep cracking sound. A winter prayer.
We went up north for the long weekend and spent most of our time cross-country skiing and reading around the wood stove. The weather was very cold, the snow was perfect.
On New Years morning we skied this trail at The Nature Conservancys Catherine Wolter Wilderness Preserve (near Presque Isle, Wisconsin) with our friend Kath who was also up for the holiday.
For me, this quiet, nearly silent New Years Day felt like the perfect bookend to a warm and busy holiday season with all of our family and friends.
With thanks, Happy New Year.