Friday, February 11, 2011

My first visit to Oak Ledge

Today I went to my spot in Oak Ledge park. Though not my first visit to this spot, it was my first time going with a specific goal on my mind: patterns. As I trudged through the snow and debated whether I was actually standing on rocks or just a sheet of ice that cracked every time I took a step, I noticed patterns forming all around me. My spot was covered in snow and ice, and I could barely find the trail I take to get to my little rock cove by the water. Here are three of the patterns I noticed:

  • There was a layer of ice covering the snow, and with every step I took it cracked to reveal fluffy snow underneath. The layer of ice was about half an inch thick (and the snow underneath was clean and tasty - yes, I judge snow quality by how good it tastes).
  • The water had ice patches all over the surface that looked like little snow mounds. The lake was not frozen over, though. I could hear the water making a constant splish-splash against the ice.
  • The sun was shining and it illuminated the ice in a way that made the ice look wavy. Another cool thing was that when I looked the other way in the, I could see the moon facing the sun.
I had some animal sightings as well! Mostly ducks floating through the water in formation, which was exciting to see! Also, I saw what looked like little deer tracks in the snow!

My phenology spot seems like it's going to be an exciting place to watch transform! I can't wait to see if I'm actually sitting on my rock or not as the snow melts, since I can't tell right now. 

Here are a few pictures!



:-)

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3 comments:

  1. WalterFebruary 20, 2011 at 5:58 AM

    Hey, Erica. I am glad you employed a few different senses in your pursuit of patterns. Thanks for the fine photos, too. I think yours will be a fantastic spot for birds this spring.

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  2. J.NeriFebruary 22, 2011 at 11:00 AM

    Erica- awesome spot, I really like Oakledge park! I like your observations about the snow/ice and the patterns within them. Your pictures are great too, there's something real photogenic about water..

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  3. AlannaGeeFebruary 22, 2011 at 2:05 PM

    This spot is fantastic! Beautiful pictures, too. Your patterns struck me because I had the same experience with the snow party frozen over (particularly stable in old footprints) on the way to my spot so that I would be able to walk on top of it for a few steps and then my feet would abruptly crash all the way through the snow (it was quite the workout to walk like that for even a semi-short distance!). Also, your observation of the party-iced over water reminds me of our field trip down to the lake last week. I remember watching the water pushing large sheets of ice against the shore, and how the sheets would carry out the shape/trajectory of the waves. It was very cool. I'm excited for you!

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