50@50 – SNOW
When we talk about “land”, we use solid topographical descriptors, conjuring up fixed landscapes whose changes evolve far too slowly to notice. However, Mother Nature dramatically transforms the landscape with much more frequency and regularity – day by day – most noticeably season by season.
Think about how we interact (and react) with nature’s seasonal changes. They infiltrate our culture in ways we don’t even detect. Many of our rituals, ancient and religious originate from the changes nature imparts on our landscape. The earth transforms, and culturally, we are all affected by its change in climate and season. The winter of 2010 has been exceptional in the number and severity of our snowstorms. Many choose to hibernate with a warm bowl of soup, while others revel in the temporal landscape of tiny miracles.
During the last week of January, between one and two feet of snow fell – in a 24 hour period – across the northeastern states. Out with a friend in Philadelphia, we began walking home about 10:30 at night. With about a foot of snow already on the ground, big wet flakes decorated our coats. We passed through a park where a couple dozen adults were playing like 10 year olds! Building snowmen, romping with their dogs and enjoying snowball fights. At 10:30 at night! Early the next morning, I trekked along the quiet snowy streets as early risers began the chore of shoveling sidewalks. Walking by Independence Hall, I imagined what a winter day would have looked like to our 18th century ancestors.
I probably only covered about three miles that morning, and it wasn’t a “hike” per se, but tromping through 17 inches of snow was as challenging and invigorating as any hike. The point is to get out there and experience the culture of place – even if – especially if – it’s temporary.