Overnight our world has turned white as the snow has returned to Carlisle.
During the night, Charlie had ventured outside for a quick check around only to return covered in snow and eager to wake mum and dad.
Shall we say, it was a bit early when we started to get ready for our walk. Getting the two leggers out of bed can really take some time especially at weekends.
‘Roman hot spring returns’
First thing to check on was to see if our ‘Roman hot spring’ has returned to the park.
Sure enough, steaming and unfrozen was our puddle. During the summer it had vanished. However, all looked good today as it showed up clearly against the white snow.
Given that the puddle has returned, it once again raises the question about what is warming the water.
Fresh clean snow
After our quick trip around the park to get our legs warmed up, we venture onto the path near to the River Eden.
The reasonable clear sky and calm conditions make today ideal for going for a walk.
Charlie runs ahead whilst mum and I plod gently along, looking at the trees and keeping an eye out for animals or other critters.
One of the first tracks we spot in the snow on this path, apart from Charlie’s massive pawprints, are those left by a hare. At least this is what mum says they are.
Three prints in a sort of triangular shape are the distinctive signs or this sort of beastie. One large print is made by the two front paws close together whilst behind, two distinct paw prints are made by the hind legs.
Snow filled paws
One problem with fresh snow is that it soon melts together and bungs up my paws.
Every few hundred metres I would stop and let mum clean the ice out between my pads.
It was not really painful but just irritated, as I was not able to put my foot down properly.
Charlie did not seem to suffer from the problem with his massive paws, however his ears soon became ice covered and needed a bit of attention.
Looking back at our trails in the snow, it was clear to see who had the biggest paws. In my trail you could make out my paws as I lifted them in and out of much of the fresh snow.
Charlie’s trail on the other hand, was about 30cm wide and almost clear of snow. As you watch him walk, he shifts the snow in front of him like a snow plough.
Winter apples
Glistening in the late morning sunshine, we spotted some red and green apples clinging to an apple tree.
This sight was most unexpected after the recent windy conditions and given the time of the year.
Fresh fruit like this is a welcome food resource for blackbirds and other animals given that the ground is frozen.
Please take a moment to refill your bird feeders with nuts and seeds. It is also worth keeping an eye on the birdbath to ensure that fresh water is available for our feathered friends.
Bitts Park covered with snow
Taking a bit of a detour from our planned route we decided to take a look into Bitts Park, behind Carlisle Castle.
Two or three children were out with their sledges having loads of fun up and down the snow covered grass banks.
Quite a few people were also out with their cameras taking pictures of snowy scenes. Interestingly, many snow pictures are blue and need tweaked before publication.
A few years back, dad came across this very helpful guide to taking pictures in the snow. The blue colour it seems is created in the picture due to something called white balance. Very technical – but easily solved.
Snow machines in Carlisle
An interesting aside to our walk today, is the funny story that has emerged that Carlisle City Council and a number of partners have hired in snow machines this weekend.
Designed to create a ‘Winter Wonderland’ in the centre of Carlisle, dad wondered if they had maybe not read the instructions and accidentally pressed the ‘cover all’ button. Now that most of the UK is covered with the white stuff.
No doubt at some point the Daily Mail, and other newspapers, will pick up on the story, and have a good laugh at the Council. Now what would be the headline?
Here are our suggestions.
- Council is snow wrong!
- Council freezes budgets
- Snow entertainment
- Flaky council decision wastes money
- Council has snow balls
- Wrong kind on snow for City
- Council melts real snow then makes fake
Let us know your snow headlines via the comments section below.
Until next time
Buster and Charlie