Beneath the Bluest Winter Sky

cozy walk across the lake ice to an island of calm memories

Our family took this trip last month, when the frost was still strong and there were no signs of spring yet.

We set off from the cottage and walked across the ice. The sky was an unreal, bright blue. The frost was sharp, and the sun was shining from a completely cloudless sky. The trees were covered with a layer of snow, which made the landscape truly beautiful.

We first headed to Swan Island, where the rock is split, creating a natural window. The children immediately found things to do: they climbed around the island and shook the trees so that snow drifted beautifully down.

There were beautiful icicles under the shoreline rocks, which they collected and played with. They also crawled through the rock window several times. The atmosphere felt very unreal because the world looked so unusual — as if we had landed on a strange new planet.

Then we arrived at our familiar destination, Mother’s Day Island, where we lit a fire and enjoyed the scenery.

I can’t wait for spring, when we can come here by water as before: paddling, rowing, or with my son’s small boat. Here is an autumn post from the same island:

The Island That Feels Like Home

For many people, a familiar place in nature becomes a source of safety and calm. The place can also be something very simple, like a bench in a nearby park or a bird feeder in your own yard. The best part is that you can return there just by closing your eyes and imagining it.

This island is that place for me. When life feels busy and stressful, and I don’t have time to go outside, I take a few minutes for myself and imagine that I am on the island.

I imagine the journey: sometimes I paddle, sometimes I walk across the ice. On the island, I sit here by the fire pit or on the rock on the shoreline and watch my children playing. They are in the safest place in the world: with me, on the cozy island, under the bluest sky.

By the fire, the sharp bite of the frost felt a little less harsh for a while. A hot drink and the crackling fire brought that comforting outdoor feeling that makes winter trips like this worth it.

We grilled some food and made hot chocolate and coffee. Despite the strong frost, no one felt cold.

Places like this slowly become part of you. No matter the season, the island is always waiting.

🌿 GROW WILD IN FOREST SOIL 🌿

By the fire, under the bluest sky on the Earth, it’s easy to just breathe.
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