Silver white wonderland on Valentine's weekend

Hello, dear Friends!  Now that it turned mid-February, are you fed up with snow?  I guess perhaps so, but please bare it with me for a while because snow days in Nara is rare and special as I’ve written many times.

snow on ice at Obuchi-ike Pond

We had the second snowfall from 13^th evening to 14^th late night in Nara City. The snow was not ephemeral like the first time (Silver white landscape melted into rain) but long-lasting and in tremendous amount. Heavy snow warning was issued for the first time in 24 years. Schools and main highways were closed, trains delayed or suspended, traffic jammed terribly, and people injured on the icy road. You know how unprepared we are to the heavy snow.

I walked along my favorite walking course around the Obuchi-ike Pond, 
armed with water-proof coat and snow boots.
An exclusive residential area surrounds the pond.

Shohaku Art Museum stands in the estate of the late honorary president of  Kintetsu Railway Co.

the pond in autumn

There is Obuchi Bridge almost at the south end of the pond.

When you cross Obuchi Bridge, the scenery changes into rustic feel with traditional Japanese houses, woods, and fields.

In fifteen minutes' walk to the south-east of the pond, there is 御嶽山大和本宮 Ontake-san-Yamato-Hongu.  It is a Shinto shrine dedicated to Mt. Ontake.  It is noted for glorious cherry blossoms in spring but snow flowers on the branches are as good as or even better (if only you can brave the cold) than spring blossoms.

There was no one but me in the precinct. The only sound I heard was my breath as I trod on the snow and falling snow on my umbrella. The stones carved with the donaters' names looked standing into eternity.

I sensed someone approaching, but there was no one.  Looking up, I saw a soaring warrior. I learned at home that he was Emperor Jimmu, the first emperor, with his emblematic long bow and an accompanying wild bird.  His reign was legendary 660 BC to 585 BC.

image via wikipedia

I was so absorbed in the serenity that I didn't realize I was wet and chilled to the bone until I came to myself after a while. I hurried back to home to warm myself and dry my camera, crossing that bridge again......

..... and walking along the pond back to the nearest bus stop.

Back home, I had a coffee break with some Valentine's Day chocolates with my husband.

Take care and stay warm!

February 18^th

I’m having a break from blogging for a while.

To those who kindly left a comment after this notice, I’ll catch up on my returning.

Thank you, and see you!

Yoko