Literally, within minutes, we got dressed in our winter gear, drove to the upper arb in Northfield, just a few blocks away from our house, buckled on our snowshoes and started walking in the woods in the early morning after a lovely snow fall the day before.
We went “off trail” and followed deer tracks and had a delightful time while getting exercise and fresh air. The sun was rising and it was very calm and peaceful. A great way to start the day.
And we were back home an hour later. It’s wonderful to have the Carleton Arboretum so close and available.
The campus of Carleton College is also a great place to walk in the winter – without snowshoes. Carleton keeps their sidewalks clear and safe and there are lots of places to roam and get in a good walk, while weaving in-between the beautiful buildings and green spaces – well- white spaces in winter! We tend to go there often.
The other day we were treated with ice sculptures. We don’t know who made them, we assume some Carleton students. We found three.
It was a delightful addition to our winter walk that day on Carleton’s campus.
That sunrise image is spectacular. Whomever the photographer, please pass along my kudos.
I didn’t realize the arb is near you and that there are two Carleton arbs. A month or more ago, we walked in the one along the Cannon River. This was pre-snow.
Those ice sculptures are such fun. Next trip to Northfield, we will walk the campus. Thanks for the tip.
Yes, there is a lower and an upper arb. It all connects at some point and it covers a large area.
I found out the ice sculptures used to be an annual event and made by professionals. Carleton has cut back on the number of sculptures in recent years. I was surprised to learn this…I would have enjoyed seeing the ice sculptures in previous years…and I wonder how I missed hearing about it all those years…