Walking in a Winter Wonderland

Some of you will be happy to see that the winter weather and snow has arrived so you can get outside and enjoy your favourite activities. I used to dislike winter. For me, it only meant negative things; shovelling snow, removing snow off the car and scraping icy windows, increased heating costs and driving on icy roads. It has only been during the past few years that I have embraced the season.

During an Intro to Photography course in 2008, David Wiewel, the teacher, showed us some images he took during thunder and lightening storms, and during extremely cold weather. He encouraged us not to be "fair weather photographers.” He was right. Beautiful images can be taken during all seasons and weather conditions as long as you are prepared and dressed appropriately.

I took a drive today to see what was happening in the city on this cold winter day. I ended up at Bell Park. I've never been to Bell Park in the winter, and wondered what kind of scenes I could find to photograph.

The park was quiet, as I expected. I was surprised to see a few others enjoying a walk alone, with their partners, or with their dogs. I photographed a squirrel running along a path beneath some trees and some mallard ducks swimming in an open area of water.

I took a shot of the lifeguard chair, with frozen Ramsey Lake in the background. Bell Park looks a different kind of pretty in the winter.

Snow-covered objects, children and pets playing outside or people engaged in their
favourite hobbies create great subjects!

Aside from offering great photographic opportunities, Sudbury offers a wide variety of winter activities for everyone to enjoy, such as ice fishing on area lakes, snowmobiling on groomed trails, tobogganing, downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, hockey, curling and ice skating.

I'm very excited that this year, an old festival is being revived after nine years of absence. Sudbury Winterfest will be taking place on the Family Day weekend in February, specifically Feb. 17-18. It is taking place at Moonlight Beach. Admission is only $5 for the whole weekend of fun.

The organizers have some great things lined up.

The important thing is not to hibernate. Winter has a lot to offer, you just have to dress warm and go outside and find an activity you like to do.

Happy New Year to each and every one of you. I hope 2012 brings you many new adventures with those you love.

For more information about Sudbury Winterfest, contact Rod Bazinet at 705-507-9825 or [email protected].

To see more pictures I took of Bell Park, please visit my website janetyoungphotography.com.

Janet Young is an amateur photographer who likes to share community events with Sudburians.