The freeze-up

The weather this month has been unusual and has kept us inside for the most part. We’ve had bouts of snow, when the weather has been cold and miserable. These bouts have been interspersed with rain, and regardless of the precipitation, the wind was always high, too high to be able to walk the boardwalk or anywhere else.

As I do every year, I was on bay watch for the time when the temperature is low enough for long enough so ice forms on the water. On December 21, it was mild and unlike several previous years, ice hadn’t formed on the bay yet. 

Five American black ducks were out enjoying the last few days in their marshy home. They disappear to an area of open water at the head of the bay when their home ices over.

Then the wind storm started. By Christmas Eve the temperature went to -8C with a windchill in the mid -20s. We stayed home but on Christmas Day, when the wind decreased a bit, we walked by the frozen bay around 4 pm. 

Newly formed ice was a dark mirror on the salt water marsh, turned pond this time of year. There was no sign of the ducks on this day! Looking out towards the Indian Head Lighthouse, the frozen bay made the old safety beacon stand out against the landscape.

As the sun set on Christmas Day, we watched until the cold started to seep into our bones. 

Later, at home by the fire and the glow of the tree lights, we enjoyed a glass of wine. It was a quiet but lovely Christmas Day.