Flat Rock Park, Columbus, GA

I moved south to avoid this stuff!

Quit complaining!

But there is snow…

Cry baby!

To be honest, it was beautiful out. It was still overcast but you could see signs of the sun trying to push through the clouds. The temperature really wasn’t bad, hovering around 33F with the forecast saying we should reach upper 40’s. After running to the store for a few groceries, I quickly put everything away and headed over to Flat Rock Park.

Winter wonderland is what came to mind as I drove into the park. Not too many people yet, probably due to it being Sunday morning. I could hear kids laughing as they rode their sleds down the snow covered slopes. I parked the car and started exploring.

I wasn’t able to get my autumn image with the stone bridge last fall, so it was going to be my first destination. The scene before me was what I was hoping to find when I got to the park. If you listen carefully you can hear the water babbling through the creek as it flows toward the bridge.

Long time readers will understand when I say it was hard for me fighting the urge to convert this next image to B&W. I love me a good monochrome winter scene but I think the hints of color tell a better story. My second destination was the “waterfall” area of the park. It would have created a better image if there was snow on the rocks around the water, but I temperature wouldn’t allow it.

Standing atop the rock formation, surveying the snow covered trees, I bath in the serenity of the moment. A beautiful scene before me and sounds of the water cascading down the rocks. It can’t get much better until I spy an opportunity for a reflection. Yeah, no surprise there. I’m not exactly known for passing up a reflection image.

Working my way back toward the bridge and the trails along the creek I found Charlie Brown’s tree. Well, at least what it would look like a couple of years after taking the stage during the show. In my head I see that one red ornament dangling from the top tree.

I pass under a sweet gum tree on my way to the trail I wanted to explore. I see that not all of the seed balls had fallen and they took it upon themselves to capture the snow. Looking at this image I wish I had captured a larger view with more of the hanging seed balls. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not disappointed in this macro view showing the snowflakes…

I should be honest with you, the trail I wanted to follow/explore leads to the tree and picnic table I have posted twice now. I was curious what the snow would bring to the scene. At least I changed it up a little because the next door neighbor tree was more interesting with the snow covered branches.

As I crossed the creek on my way to the other big rock formation in the park, I spied my next image. Slight detour, heading downstream to a familiar view. I’ve captured this view before, but this one with the snow, the calm water and the spot of blue in the sky… it’s a keeper.

I had a vision in my head, standing atop the big rocks looking out over the snow covered trees, a spot of blue sky forming, this would be the winning image of the morning. Nope! I swear it looked better in my head. Not worth showing you. But, lucky you, I found another reflection…

Although it was a nice morning, my hands were starting to get cold. Yeah, I know, I should have brought gloves but I didn’t. Time to work my way back to the car. I’m almost there when I see the playground off in the distance. Yep, I can’t pass on that view. It was too much to hope for that the snow was still undisturbed, but a great image none the less.

Alright, I’ll concede, color images of the snow can be good too. Lesson learned…