First of the Year Walk

It was almost noon when I woke up today, and the snow was falling quietly. Since I adore snowing, I thought it was a great opportunity to go for a walk.
Billingen was the destination and it seemed that half the population of Skövde had woken up with an urge to visit Billingen. Cross-country skiers were everywhere, just to make me feel jealous, while only few had chosen to ski down the slopes.

The temperature was about -12 C and the landscape, dressed in this beautiful white that only the nature knows how to produce and put on without making it "too much", was a joy to look at. This uncompromising  beauty was broken every here and there by all kinds of rubbish, indicating that here, last night, humans had been celebrating the arrival of 2010. Empty bottles, cans and plastic bags were scattered  in the snow, to remind us of how well balanced is our relation with the nature.

Nevertheless Billingen's inhabitants were posing proudly in front of the lens, dressed in their snow-white tunics.

The two lakes were of course frozen and the trails of deer could be seen on the fresh snow. It must have been snowing all night.

By the side of the path, the stream that used to talk to us non stop during our walks in the forest, was absolutely quiet. Massive crystals of unique shape had replaced the chattering waters, adding an extra touch to the tranquillity of the environment.

Living in Skövde is like living inside a Christmas card!