WINTER WONDERLAND
Winter Finally Breaks Through, Sort of
Trudging through the snow with my camera as my companion
It took some time, but winter finally broke its silence, leaving a five-inch coat of white on the ground. It took the better part of two days to accomplish, but it was enough to make kids happy with the cancellation of classes.
I was giddy for a different reason. I wanted to break a path through virgin snow, hoping to capture scenes of a winter wonderland. The day did not disappoint.
After dropping my daughter off at work, I walked around Catacunemaug Brook, adjacent to the parking lot. It was still a bit dark. After changing my mind a few times, I finally settled on this image. It’s cropped a bit. I hoped to bring out a few details in the clouds, but the grain was too much for my liking. Noise in clouds is one of my weaknesses.
I drove to a nearby former army post, Fort Devens. The base remains, but with a much smaller footprint. The rest of the property is now Devens, which is home to a golf course. There’s a short, winding cart path I’ve always found interesting. I settled on this vertical image with the bridge leading to the darkened patch of trees.
This image doesn’t need much explanation. I made my obligatory stop at the Fort Devens Post Cemetery, a 3.5-acre cemetery that is still active. It was established in 1939. Among those buried are German and Italian soldiers who died in captivity. They lie in eternal rest with American soldiers. It’s my way of honoring our fallen troops.
A couple of miles away from Devens is one of my favorite subjects to photograph throughout the year; the First Parish Meetinghouse in Shirley. According to its website, the original section of the church was built in 1773.
John Hancock’s aunt donated the church’s first Bible. The church grew slowly over the years. In 1804 the bell tower was added. Eventually, two porches and a belfry were added to the church.
Behind the Bull Run Restaurant, which has served thirsty and hungry travelers since 1740, is a privately built bridge that spans the Mighty Mulpus Brook. I enjoy shooting photos from the bridge in the fall and winter.c
If you’ve read this far, thank you for stopping by. Lay 50 claps on me and comment if you would please. I will return the favor. Cheers!
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