Now, six months later we are standing on that same pond, our boots sunk shin-deep in snow on ice that is at least 33 cm (1 ft.) thick. The summer-scape is barely recognizable in this world of white. The deciduous trees stand naked, their leaf buds prepared for the spring thaw. The skirts of the spruce are layered in snow, bearing the burden of winter snow and cold. Where is the life that brimmed this community not so long ago?
