We have had a long stretch of cold weather this winter. Morning lows either side of 0 degrees Fahrenheit or even below and daytime highs in the teens. A few snowstorms have made the winter scene complete. This week is full moon and one of my favorite scenes is in view. Sorry no picture of it, the camera simply does not capture the scene.
To make this one work a lot needs to come together. A full moon, clear skies, wind in the west, snow on the ground, early morning and cold temps. I occasionally get up in the night to add a stick or two of firewood to the woodstove. This cold weather activity gives me a perfect viewing opportunity. A fresh load of wood in the stove makes for smoke that the west wind blows out over the front lawn, The snow is a clean white background for the shadow of the smoke in the moonlight. Painting a clear picture in the cold moonlight. I know it even sounds too cold but there is something about being able to see the smoke from the woodstove cast a shadow. The smoke will sometimes cast a shadow for a considerable distance as it floats down across the field in front of the house.
For the record it does not seem to cast a similar shadow in the sunlight. I assume because the sun is much brighter and at a different angle. There are only a few weeks each winter where it is even possible and I suppose that is part of why I am always delighted to see the shadow of the smoke on a cold night. While we have endured a cold stretch there is something to see that is only visible for a short time each winter. Not to mention I see that we have already gained an hour of daylight!
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