Winter Hike in Full Color

Hello, Fellow Steemians,

Winter has let up a little and, even though classes have started, I had to get out and enjoy the not-so-freezing temperatures. We have actually had two days of above-freezing. The blanket of snow has already melted, for the most part, leaving mud and the remains of the more hearty plants that have managed to stay standing through weeks of brutal cold.

Cattails — ISO 100, f/4, 1/1000 sec, 70mm

Despite the agreeable temperatures, I was alone at the State Park. Very alone, it turned out. The bison were nowhere to be seen, which isn't abnormal, but there were few birds and only one squirrel bothered to bless me out from his branch.

Forest Path — ISO 100, f/4, 1/80 sec, 65mm

This particular trail through the Minneopa State Park follows the edge of the bluffs, with the bison range to the west. It gets great lighting in both morning and evening, as a result.

Red — ISO 100, f/2.8, 1/640 sec, 70mm

The evening light turned these burgundy-colored seed structures into a bright red. I'm not exactly sure what these are, but I'm sure someone with a green thumb and better luck with a field guide would be able to name it. The plant's stalks are almost like tree branches!

Centered — ISO 100, f/10, 1/320 sec, 14mm

... and then it was time to head home to make supper and hop into an online class.

There is one last photo I'd like to share with you before ending this post. Earlier this morning, I went back to the Minneopa Falls and walked up to the frozen base. There were a couple places with open water further downstream, but the falls is a huge chunk of ice. It may have been a little dangerous, but only a little.

Ice Cone — ISO 400, f/8, 1/640 sec, 10mm

Thank you for taking a look at my post. If you enjoy my work, please click the upvote button. Comments are also greatly appreciated.