Title
Exploring Trails, Embracing Winter
Location
Luce Line Trail, Minnesota
Year
2025
We’re lean on snow this year so even when it’s cold, out we go! My initial vision was to create a Christmas image with Chloe in her red snow jacket. The timing didn’t work out, but I still wanted the image. I’m glad we finally got a little snow in February so we could go exploring. I love this type of nature shot with all the texture in the background. Chloe loves the snow all over her face.
The trails are quieter in winter when there’s only a few inches of snow. It’s an awe-inspiring time to be outside because there’s not enough snow for the snowmobilers to be revving through. Instead, the trails are a mosaic of animal tracks with few traces of humans. God’s naturally created beauty shines through.
But we don’t meander when I take Chloe. It’s not a slow walk. She’s on the move. She likes her outdoor freedom and throws off anything that hinders her from getting where she wants to be. While some dogs shy away from the cold, Chloe is invigorated by it. The image above was a rare moment. Standing still is not on her agenda when we go trail exploring. Our walks are fast paced, and more like the image below:
When I shared these images with my oldest son, he said Chloe looked like she was on snow patrol. I agree. She’s focused and loving it!
You can see she’s not pleased with me here for making her stop. She definitely is a woman with her mind made up. She’s not one to be contained.
I took this image, then put my camera away for the rest of the trip. It seemed counter-productive to make it into a long photo session.
Hebrews 12:1
