On the Road is a weekday feature spotlighting reader photo submissions.
From the exotic to the familiar, whether you’re traveling or in your own backyard, we would love to see the world through your eyes.
Munira
When I moved back to Bellingham, WA from Quebec a couple of years ago, I was ready to be done with six months of winter. However, I was a bit sad thinking I might not be able to take any more photos of ice and snow. As it turns out, I didn’t have to worry about that. The past two years we’ve had a couple of weeks of real winter here, which is pretty much perfect as far as I’m concerned.
All of these photos were taken from the Interurban Trail, a couple of minutes walk from my apartment, except for the last one, which is from the Eastern Townships of Quebec where I lived for thirty years.
Padden Creek from the trail.
Down by Padden Creek
Ice sculptures on the creek.
The Interurban Trail
Frozen fish ladder on Padden Creek. Not a great day for climbing if you happen to be a fish.
A web of ice.
JPL
Thank you for sharing pictures of nature’s sculptures.
Dan B
My partner’s sister reported that it was snowing again today at her place just east of the city of Bellingham.
And you do know you can drive to Mt. Baker which holds the record for most snowfall in a year of anywhere in the world, almost 100 feet!
BretH
Oh, lovely winter photos!
Chris T.
Yeah, we had way more winter here this year than I like. I had to shovel my driveway twice, with roughly a foot of snow each time! In other parts of the country, sure, that’s normal. But in Bellingham?! (OK, I’m technically not in Bellingham proper, and I heard they got a lot less snow. But still…)
John S.
Washington is a beautiful state. I am so looking forward to moving there in a few months.
Chris T.
@Dan B: I haven’t been all the way to the Mt Baker ski area yet, but I have been in that direction. It’s very pretty! Almost anywhere you go around here is like that, really…
debbie
Beautiful photos, but I still hate the stuff.
Miss Bianca
Love the ice web!
munira
@Dan B: Yes, i’ve been up to Mt. Baker many times although not recently. Just went for an early morning walk in the rain so no snow here in Bellingham last night. I heard from a friend it was snowing down in Alger last night – just 15 minutes from here.
munira
@John S.: Welcome in advance to Washington state. It is really beautiful here.
munira
@Miss Bianca: Me too. That was from the field outside the farmhouse where I lived in Quebec. We’d get some amazing ice there.
WaterGirl
@munira: The ice web is astonishing. I had no idea there was such a thing. Fleeting beauty, just like Ozark’s little snow flowers, or whatever they were called.
Jill
@munira: I love the interurban trail photo .. In full disclosure, I am Munira’s sister and have walked that gorgeous trail with her.
munira
@Jill: She has indeed.
Trina
Gorgeous photos! Would love to see the same places during spring or summer or both.
munira
@WaterGirl: Yes I remember Ozark’s snow flowers. I’ve seen ice formations like as well. It’s amazing what ice can do and we had a lot of it in Quebec. Don’t miss walking on it, but it was beautiful to look at.
Swampwoman
Spectacular photos.
WaterGirl
@munira: I second the request to see this place in photos during all 4 seasons.
Munira
@WaterGirl: I’m sure I can make that happen.
Embir
Bellingham meet up anyone? Sit outside at the Firehouse perhaps.
Munira
@Embir: That would be neat when the weather warms up.
Yutsano
@Munira:
Heck I’d come over for that!
Munira
@Yutsano: Great
KRK
Hello from the Skagit flats! Beautiful photos of a beautiful area. I agree that it’s nice to have a little taste of real winter every year, but not too much. That’s what mountains are for.
Origuy
The ice web picture reminds me of walking to the bus stop in rural Indiana for my first two years of school. It was a good half mile from home, half of it along a creek. When the creek froze, the ice would make patterns like that.
way2blue
Love your last photo. Very cool…
emvee
@Embir I’m happy to meet up even in the cold wet rain! Might be warmer at some other Fairhaven sites as noted. Or maybe Black Drop before it closes on the 6th.
Munira
@emvee: Some place with an outdoor area that has a roof – or maybe even heaters??
Embir
@munira @emvee there must be something about living in the City of Subdued Excitement that lends itself to the BJ gestalt. A certain acerbic pragmatism perhaps. Yes – anywhere covered with heaters would be great. Downtown I’m thinking Camber or Old Town. Fairhaven Firehouse is now covered but I’m not sure it is heated. Skylarks could also work although the coffee is just ok.
Or – consistent with the post, a hike on the Interurban.
Munira
@Embir: Now that would be cool.
Dan B
@Chris T.: West to the San Juan Islands, east to the Cascades, north to Vancouver, south to the Skagit River Valley – blissfully beautiful. If you hike the Keep Kool trail and all the hikes off the end of the Mt. Baker highway are breathtaking. And those are just the beginning.
Munira
@Dan B: So many riches here.
Ramalama
You lived in l’estrie? Your real name doesn’t happen to be Louise Penny, right?
Munira
@Ramalama: No but I once did a reading with her and some other people. I did live close to Knowlton where she lives. Nice woman.
susanna
Thanks for these pictures, would love to walk that trail, any time….
Helga Schleeh
Wow. Beautiful! So touching to see those those photos……. love you and miss your sweet smiling face! Having a fabulous time in Mexico with my buddies doing art and music. xxxxxxxxx Helga
WaterGirl
@Helga Schleeh: I just noticed your comment and approved it manually. Now any future comments will show up for everyone right away. Welcome!
emvee
@Embir:
And then today is completely different. Downing a pastry and mocha from the Iron Rooster while sitting in the sun on the Village Green. In a down vest but very doable.