Stretching before me and the sky is a wide expanse of blue water. Breezes dance over the surface on this blustery day making it ripple and twirl. High water of the lake laps against the shore making noises in an otherwise peaceful place.

winter lake
The lake is surrounded by black oak forests where deer, raccoon and other animals that I see no evidence of. It’s winter solstice today with this clear sky, but the animals seem to be burrowed away till a warmer day. There will be bonfires tonight to celebrate the solstice and for marshmallow roasting.
Though trail by the lake is sort of soggy, but pretty good this time of year for walking. I’m heading back with fellow hikers to watch the sunset on the solstice.