Ober Water

The forest was cold today, though we'd not been blessed with the snow our near neighbours enjoyed. I think we just got sleet, now hardened by frost. Even by mid morning any ground that hadn't been kissed by the Sun remained frozen, often coated in a slippery ice glaze, and lightly crusted standing water stood everywhere. The light this morning was lovely, bringing out the richness of forest's winter palette and texture. As we approached an engorged Ober Water which now flooded much of the shallow valley I had to smile, as the bridge stood a few of meters or so into the swelled stream, access to cut off bridges a typical conundrum in the winter forest. The water wasn't that deep, though still deep enough to risk wet feet if walked. So I did that running tippy toe thing, it's never totally effective nevertheless effective enough. Later on our walk we recrossed the Ober, this time it wasn't so simple a process involving a 25m or so boots off wade through icy cold shin deep gravel bottomed waters. Yes, it was really very cold and underfoot was decidedly pointy. Although once dried and back in my boots my feet felt fantastic, remarkably refreshed by their icy bath and sole massage. A stunning outing, much needed.