Winter in the Conservation Lands

When most people think of Cape Cod they think of walks on the beach at sunset, and trampolines and go-karts with the kids, swimming in the ocean, shopping, whale watches, clam chowder. In other words, they think of summer. This isn't the first winter I've spent time here, or even the first winter I've managed to photograph snow. But it is the longest winter and the most snow, so I've set myself a goal of trying to capture the spirit of the place when it is so far off season that season is barely a vague memory.

We'll start with the Harwich Conservation Lands, no driving required.

Bells Neck Road bridge. Don't be tempted to walk in the ruts, they were icy and treacherous.

Bells Neck Road up by the pond. These tracks are likely coming in from Great Western.

Bells Neck Road with downed tree and stuck truck. He got as far as the tree, tried to turn around and did nothing but spin his wheels. This nice, sunny day was Monday. By Friday the tree and truck were both cleared out, though the road was still mostly impassable.

Ice in the river. Parts of the river were still moving, but the edges were frozen.

Dock on the Herring River. This was Friday and it had started snowing again before I got back to Smith Street to walk home.

Herring River, mostly frozen.

Herring River from the Bells Neck Bridge.

Frozen reeds at the edge of the river.

Ice on the pond at sunset.

Louis by the river. The house in the far background is on Bells Neck Road. We're at a clearing by the North Street bridge.

Louis at the edge of the pond. I bet the ice would have held him, but I didn't let him risk it.

North Street. It ranged from shin deep to sheets of ice, so there will be no running this route for a while, but it was still a workout getting through.

That sunset was the last time I've seen sun. It's been 6 days now.

Another blizzard yesterday and 3-5 inches expected tomorrow. It looks nice outside now, but that's deceptive. It's -14F with the windchill. Only Louis is happy with all of this.