Snowbound

The n'oreaster hit as predicted and came straight up the coastline. New England towns from Providence to Bar Harbor were snowed in overnight, airports closed, snow emergencies were declared statewide. The drifts were massive, the highways deadly. Morning came and it was deceptively clear and bright with a brilliant blue sky and no clouds to cover the sun. Icicles had formed and were just beginning to melt while tree branches were bent to the ground with the weight of the snow. Trails of chimney smoke drifted across the sky and the sounds of snowblowers echoed through the trees.

We cleared the doorway and the dogs bounded out joyfully - it was their first major storm on the mountain and they were thrilled. They leaped over or plowed through the drifts, falling down and tunneling under, tails wagging and tongues hanging out, barking at the unfamiliar landscape and each other. The woodpile was buried under a staggering amount of snow and it took most of an hour to reach it and bring in wood for the stove but the cabin was warm and snug when we finished. We made hot chocolate and marshmellows for breakfast and while the dogs curled up by the stove and napped, we debated how to begin shoveling our way out and if we should begin at all.
Another 6 to 8 inches was forecast by the next morning.

Surprisingly enough, we still had power so the day passed quickly. By mid-afternoon it had begin to snow again and the dogs delighted in trying to catch the snowflakes and retrieve snowballs. By dark we were all worn out and retreated again to the warmth of the woodstove. We ate popcorn and tuna fish sandwiches and drank more hot chocolate while the snow fell fast and furious. It had been a good day on the mountain.