Man Walks All Day to Create Spectacular Snow Patterns http://inhabitat.com/artist-makes-giant-wintry-crop-circles-just-by-walking-in-the-snow/simon-beck-snow-art2/

Artist Simon Beck must really love the cold weather! Along the frozen lakes of Savoie, France, he spends days plodding through the snow in raquettes (snowshoes), creating these sensational patterns of snow art. Working for 5-9 hours a day, each final piece is typically the size of three soccer fields! The geometric forms range in mathematical patterns and shapes that create stunning, sometimes 3D, designs when viewed from higher levels.

How long these magnificent geometric forms survive is completely dependent on the weather. Beck designs and redesigns the patterns as new snow falls, sometimes unable to finish a piece due to significant overnight accumulations.Interestingly enough, he said, 'The main reason for making them was because I can no longer run properly due to problems with my feet, so plodding about on level snow is the least painful way of getting exercise. Gradually, the reason has become photographing them, and I am considering buying a better camera.

Spectacular art for the sake of exercise!

I am very much a hands on learner and spent several hours today putting it together...a first time video project with titles and music and voice overs.....hope you enjoy!

 As I sit in my time share unit not far from Mountainside Rec center,  a very familiar setting in Fairmont Hot springs BC the where the family has had a week every two years since the 1980s, I reflect on this past week away. I have tried a few new things this time but it always brings back memories of past family trips. The week has been good with a variety of activities from hikes to  hot pools to a day of x-c skiing at Nipika day lodge to a local Scottish pub in Invermere.

Wish that I could downhill as I hear some fantastic snow on Panorama and local small hill! But did get abit of cross-country Found a spot out side Radium, www.nipika.com Nipika day lodge. that has groomed trails and was only one there on Tuesday. Loved it for many groomed trails, a day lodge and rentals...I was the only one there today and tons of fresh snow. The only detriment is the 14 km windy drive up the logging road and meeting big trucks in slippery snowy conditions..abit of a hairy drive up and don't love big trucks. .

The roads are pretty slushy and combos of rain and snowy weather and on the return trip included some deer arguing over feeding spots with "eep, eeps" and dashing across the main highway in the town of Radium. Protected because in a national park here but becoming a nuisance in some of the neighbouring town that have necessitated a “ deer cull” strategy.

Some hand sewing projects

that have little time to do at home included repairing the lining of my mitts adding new fur trim and made finger puppets for a 3 yr old grand daughter who had her birthday this week.....Hauled out one of the books from Linda McPhee's workshops in the 1980s my mom had given me and alot of my duffle and wool scraps and embroidery threads...very detailed work.

The mid -March hikes to Hoodoos and an historic guided hike each about 1-2 hrs. — the sign said " Don't go close to the cliff " Believe me I didn't...

beautiful view of the Hoodoos but slippery and windy at original Fairmont Hot springs. Two walks on the surrounding golf course with and with out snow. This is Geary House an original homestead built I think in the late 1800s. and a large barn built about 1912 still standing In 1909, a room and soak in the hot springs cost $2.00. Ended up this morning going straight from the villa but snow too sticky…more like snow shoeing but some good photo ops like snow on these swings or creek with sulphur water bubbling down.

Good balance of solitude and socializing! Driving down from Edmonton stayed at the in-laws, nice tea and homemade yogurt breakfast just west of Calgary. There is a most friendly year old black lab here named Lizzy...fetched repeated and sniffed for our dogs! Training as hunting dogs and great nose for those hidden objects. Wish I could bring my dogs as some great country but no pets at the facility. Makayla watched them at the house both weekends and Jeffrey mid-week Also had planned that my cousin Bill and his wife Betts from Airdrie to come for the weekend but she had the flu and disappointingly cancelled.

Just love small town newspapers with local issues of deer cull and teacher’s strike and great little coffee shops, like Smoking Waters, with welcoming hosts and lovely muffins, cinnamon buns!  A local Scottish pub and restaurant, McToogles in Inveremere had good local beer, great live music  and that substantial comfort food like Shepherds Pie.

Sunday would like to go to local little church but it is a long drive, like 7-8 hours so am just going to pack up and come home.

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