snow

When you mention Canada, many people think of snow, and with good reason.  Annual snow fall rates vary from almost none to 6 meters or more. In Nova Scotia we get between 2 and 4 meters, on average. Snow means sounds (crunches, cushioned silence, rhythmic wiper blades …); sights (piles, frosts, glistens…); touch (shivers, pin-needles of hail bits, cold tear-like drops on your cheeks…) – it’s a whole body-mind, sensory experience.

a blizzard begins

In the park beside our house

Snow has different characteristics, depending on the temperature. When it is very cold the snow is fine, like powder. A little warmer and it becomes more granular. Skiers love this snow. When it is just below freezing the snow falls in large flakes and becomes compacted. It is heavy and hard to shovel, but children love it because it is the right snow to make snowmen or a fort. Adults play in the snow too...

There are also different kinds of ice. Regular ice is white or cloudy.

Black ice is treacherous, especially for drivers, because it is the same color as the pavement.

In Winter, dogs, especially little ones, need to bundle up too.
 

Clearing your driveway can be a messy business

Meredith bonds with a snowbank.

As if highway driving were not treacherous enough, you have to watch out for deer and moose. A collision would probably demolish your car.    

Driving is even slower on snow covered highways. Trucks barrel past kicking up ice and dirt filled slush onto your windshield.

Slow going on icy streets.

Of course cars get stuck.

People work together to get unstuck.

Later in winter, after a thaw, the snow is not so pretty.

Snow is pulled into the street to be removed.

Pickup bed filled with snow.

After a storm, the park beside our house.

After a storm, partially-cleared street.

Snowy woods.

Canadians love their snow though. We love how it sounds, all squeaky and crunchy...

...and a quiet snowfall is magical, covering everything with a clean blanket of white.