Places to go and things to see by Gypsy Bev

Posts tagged ‘wind’

Beautiful Ohio’s Winter Wonderland

Jackson Park near Byesville provides a scenic place to walk on a winter day.

Jackson Park near Byesville is a great place to walk on a winter day.

Snow flakes fall against the window panes while the wind howls through the cracks in the wall. Looking out the window here in Ohio, there is snow as far as the eye can see. This is the perfect time to get out the picture album and reminisce about other snowy days.

Dad shovels snow.

Dad bundles up to shovel snow.

Shoveling snow has always been a winter chore throughout the years. Often this task got delegated to the man of the house as he bundled up in buckled boots, old overcoat, and toboggan to protect himself against the winter cold. At the time of this picture, the car wasn’t driven into the garage because the tires had chains on them to enable better traction in the snow. Sometimes it may have been days before anyone cleared the roads. It may be a neighbor with a blade on his tractor or perhaps the highway department, that finally opened the roads for needed supplies. Often when the snowplows cleared the roads, they would push a pile of snow a couple feet high across the end of your driveway. Or you may have lived in a place where the winds blew drifts several feet high. Those were and still are the times that try men’s souls and their backs.

Children enjoy a sled ride.

Children enjoy a sled ride.

Children always enjoy a ride on their sled whether they are being pulled by someone or gliding down a hill. Many neighborhoods have a favorite hill where children gather to race on their sleds. Sometimes they may use a large lid or piece of cardboard with the front bent up so it can slide easily down the hills without getting caught in the snow. An old innertube also provides a great way to slide down a hill. You can be certain that everyone is going to come home covered with snow and ready for some hot chocolate.

Carrot nose placed on his first snowman.

Carrot nose placed on his first snowman.

Another favorite activity in the wintertime is building a snowman. Parents enjoy helping youngsters build that first snowman as it makes dad and mom feel young again too. To add the finishing touches, a nose is created by using a carrot, while its mouth and two eyes are made out of coal. Many times a hat is placed on the snowman’s head with a scarf around their neck. Then everyone hopes it doesn’t melt away too quickly after all that hard work.

Pepper, the Pony, pulls a sleigh through the snow.

Pepper, the Pony, pulls a sleigh over the snow.

If you are lucky enough to have a horse of your own, or a kind neighbor with a horse, hooking up a sled or sleigh behind a horse is great fun. It is important that someone either lead the horse or ride it as otherwise the horse might take off too quickly leaving passengers on the ground in the snow. What a treat when it works properly!

Deer wander over the Ohio hills.

Deer wander over the Ohio hills, as seen from my kitchen window.

This is also the time to see animals seemingly enjoying the snow as well. Kittens leap over snow covered chairs and playfully wrestle on the ground, while dogs might just sit and watch the activites around them. Deer graze on a few blades of grass still poking through the snow, while keeping alert to any danger around.

While this is not a favorite season for all, many truly enjoy taking a walk in the snow, skiing, or ice skating on a frozen farm pond. Winter recollections can be an enjoyable way to pass a homebound day. Wonder what your favorite wintertime activities might be? To tell the truth, this gypsy would rather take a road trip on a sunshiny day!

Advertisement

Category:

Back Roads, Ohio, Travel Tale, Uncategorized

Tagged with:

What the Wind Picked Up

The wind was picking up as Angela hurried from her car at Bryce Canyon.  She threw on her backpack, picked up a walking stick, and headed to take a closer look at the Hoodoos near the Queen’s Garden.

While the wind was whirling the fog down in the canyon, she noticed the same man who had tried to start up a conversation with her yesterday at Zion. Angela kept on enjoying the scenery with one eye, while keeping one eye on the stranger.

Strolling down rough paths among the hoodoos was a great adventure. These tall rock columns ranged in size from a human to a ten story building. The Paiute Indians called these colorful hoodoos “Legend People,” who had been turned into stone as punishment for evil deeds.

The enchanting hoodoos cast their spell on Angela, temporarily causing her to forget about the mysterious stranger. A glance showed him following!  Was it a coincidence they were on the same path?

While rounding another hoodoo, the man spoke to her. “Hello, please stop so we can talk.  I believe I know you.”

Angela continued down the path hoping to see some other hikers. Unfortunately, on this cold, windy day there was no one in sight.

Now Angela was not the fastest hiker as she had a very heavy backpack. Before long the stranger caught up to her and blocked her path. What could she do? This called for a backup plan that she only used in an emergency.

Her backpack was actually jet powered.  With one turn of the knob, Angela went straight up and away from her pursuer.  Wow that was a close call, she thought.  However, she didn’t notice the stone arm extending from the hoodoo, which caught her jet pack and knocked her to the ground.

Angela was getting up slowly from the ledge where she landed and with dismay saw the stranger moving quickly her direction.

“Finally,” he said, “I have caught up with you.  My name is Jack Windt.  I have been following you for a few days just to get a chance to talk to you.  For years I have been trying to find my sister who left home when she was fifteen. No one has seen her for five years and you look just like her.  I had to see if you were my sister!”

“Oh, my,” remarked Angela. “I am not your sister but she must be very special.”

“Yes, she is my only sister and our Mother is very sick. Mom was hoping I could locate her and bring her back home.”

“Maybe I can help you.  I am a private investigator and have access to many police computer records.  Guess the wind picked up another interesting case for me.  Time to start searching.”

And that is exactly what she did!

Category:

Travel Tale, Uncategorized, Utah

Tagged with:

Tag Cloud