The woods had filled with snow people.

 

Mother and child

And snow mice

And even snow flamingos!

And of course, snow dogs.

The first trail I broke was down towards the river cabin.

It was still standing!

The river had frozen some more but although the temperature had risen to about -25C by the afternoon, fog rose from the open water.

The sun shining through the snow was beautiful.

That evening, the light was gorgeous.

The sun set to the left of Finger Peak, heading for it’s final winter place.

The icicles above the window were orange.

The next morning was a little warmer – only -35C.  Frost patterns had formed on window of the outer door.  This is not common here – such patterns need moisture.  But the dogs spend time in the outer room when they are not inside my living area.

The poor whiskeyjack was not quite so excited about the situation.  (He even has crystals on his eyelashes.)  Did you know that such birds have a kind of antifreeze in their legs to stop them freezing solid?

The second day did not stay sunny for long.  Soon there was a mix of cloud.

And on the third day it was only -25C in the morning.  Three male pine grosbeaks arrived and they did not look half as cold.

Sun, cloud and a bit of fog followed.   One morning a gleam of sun hit the cottonwoods across the river.

That night, a growing moon basked in the afterglow.