The Arctic flow has moved on and we have returned to more seasonal temperatures, although it's still hovering around 0 C at night. A rainbow beckoned me down to the beach, and then off I went to my favorite wildlife viewing location. (click on photos to enlarge)
Whoops! I splooshed along the trail ~
above, poised for flight ~
vista ahead ~
under the bridge, in the mist ~
and in the distance....
Trumpeter swans! the first I've seen this year.
Swans on one side and a Great Blue Heron, seemingly unsociable, on the other.
Along with the myriad of ducks, the heads of a few sea lions were seen drifting through the waves as well!
It was a most invigorating afternoon!
Not knowing then, that later on in the evening, my vehicle would slip on black ice, nearly sending me into the ditch! After a few terrifying moments of losing control and slithering from one side of the road to the other, my vehicle righted itself and I made it home OK. Luckily no other cars were on the road, otherwise it might well have been a different story. I am most grateful.
Terrific photos!
ReplyDeleteThank goodness that there were no other vehicles nearby, that you stayed on the road and, most importantly, was okay. Several of my heartstopping driving panics have involved black ice so I know just what it's like. Flighty xx
So glad you are safe, Glo. Splooshing through slush is one thing... out of control in black ice is quite another! I love all the views you capture -- but my fave this time is that foggy scene under the bridge.
ReplyDeleteHi Flighty ~ Glad you enjoyed the photos! Yes, it was a scary ride home - fortunate indeed...as I'm sure you've realized yourself.
ReplyDeleteHi Nikki ~ thanks and I'm pleased you enjoyed the photos. Yes, that one in the mist was quite atmospheric ... that big bird, a raptor of some kind, was well placed for food focusing!
I have had the same experience of finding black ice and sliding all over the road - like you fortunately with no other traffic around. It certainly exercises the heart muscles.
ReplyDeleteOuch! I really understand the moment of fright when you hit the black ice - I had a similar moment a couple of years ago - I had a very nasty accident in 2000 and to be honest I lost a lot of confidence. Hubby has always had a 4x4 and use to go off-roading as a boy hobby thing - now he does it for real. We are in North Yorkshire, just off the moors so he does the driving when the weather is bad - like now!
ReplyDeleteGreat pictures - keep warm and keep safe!
Hi John ~ Sorry for the late response ~ I was just checking back for comments! Sorry to hear you had to go through the same kind of experience. It has sure made me more aware of the roads and whether or not I feel like driving, now that I have the option to wait for another day or time!
ReplyDeleteHi Mrs. Nesbitt ~ just found your comment and so glad you dropped by. I'm very sorry to hear you experienced a bad accident and can understand completely the loss of confidence. Now you are covered in the grip of winter once again, so hopefully you will be warm and safe as well!