tree-hug on february 16

A difficult walk in the woods today.  Warmer temperatures and rain saturated the snow, turning it into deep slush. Beneath the slush in places were surprise puddles or hidden streams.  I must admit, I wasn't enjoying it.  The tree-hug, on the other hand, was lovely.

A reflective icy glaze glistened on the smooth bark.

Rivulets of melting ice flowed down bark-crevices and under thin leathery ice-crusts.

A different kind of shine than summer rain-shine.

Fantastical frozen-glimpses of wintering-lichen and bark color-magic.

And on a nearby tree-neighbor, there was a remarkable ice glazed bark-painting of a red-man listening to his pet rooster.  Message:  Sometimes the walk is hard going.  Persevere.  Spend time in reflection.  the magic is there.  Peace