Winter Wanderings

RonMartin(deceased)

Just thought I would put out my annual winter invitation.
So far no one has taken me up on it but one never knows
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Winter is fast approaching and it almost time to bed the bonsai down for the winter. For some this is a boring time of the year. After all in winter there isn't much to do but protect our tiny treasures.

Those that do tropical trees still have plenty to keep them busy. There is the old monkey drill of "in and out". Bonsai soil for next season can be made , spare pots can be cleaned and there is always the bonsai books and magazines that have been collected throughout the year.

But mostly we wait for spring.

I find winter to be an exciting time of the year. It's a time of exploration and learning from the true masters of bonsai. Those old trees that have been setting there in the woods for decades. With the dropping of the leaves the structure of the trees can be seen. Just how they are put together.

I spend many hours wondering through these forests in winter. My camera and scratchpad go with me. A thermos of hot chocolate helps on those cold days.
By spring I have many new ideas and have learned much from the "Masters". A sense of urgency sets in. All these new ideas must be worked on.

Winter can be a busy time for a bonsai student. A time of understanding . A time to get inspired. My thermos holds more than one cup of hot chocolate if any of you would like to join me this winter in my wanderings. We can learn together!

Attached Images

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mkonig

Hi Ron

Is that a picture of your local area? Looks magical.

I would love to take you up on the invite, but its a long way and a load of bucks to get from England to the USA.

Oh well, I will just have to make do with looking at your pics.

Mike

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RonMartin(deceased)

That place is about 10 miles from my house. A favorite spot of mine.

bmor

Ron---just a thought but i think you have something here. perhaps people who wish to contribute can submit their "winter wandering" pics to help keep us motivated while we "learn" during the winter season. anyone who's interested can take/submit pictures of nature that should inspire us (or at least keep us occupied) to achieve greatness next season. i know that i'll try to take some winter pictures that might inspire some future bonsai ( mine will likely have some snow in them).
cheers

Jerry Meislik

Ron,
Your recommendations for further study are ones to take to heart.
Jerry Meislik

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Jerry Meislik
Whitefish Montana USA
Zone 4-5
http://www.bonsaihunk.us/

dbz12fan

Hi Jerry,
I am glad to see you posting at bonsaiTalk.

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Charles Bevan
Vero Beach, Fl

pdbbonsai

Ron,

I am always on the foot during winter, usually on snowshoes, but the last five years have been on the weak side for snow. So, a pair of warm boots do fine. Even the coldest subzero days dont seem to hold me back, I have arctic gear that helps me keep warm.

The charm of northern Minnesota is its wilderness areas, and that where I can be found most days off. During a walk last December (over the holidays), I found this pair of mushrooms rising above the snowy forest floor.

Just an odd shot, not very striking in a visual sense, but struck a cord all the same.

Paul

Attached Images

winter shrooms.jpg (34.4 KB, 117 views)

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Jonny D

Ron if I could I would! Great Pic and paul superb little pic!

RonMartin(deceased)

I guess I could drag the old camera along and take some pictures to share .
Wouldn't be the same as going though. Flat pictures on a computer screen are not all that awe inspiring.
One does not have to travel far to commune with nature. Even a big city has a few parks to roam in. Much can be learned even there.
Even a tree on a city street can teach you something.
Pictures are just pictures. They only have memories for the person that took them.
My winter walks have taken me many places. Taught me a lot about trees. But it has also taught me a lot of other things.
I have met a lot of good people (and a couple not so good)
Mostly I have learned the art of LOOKING. Amazing what one can see if you just look.
In October I took a little walk near Asheville NC. There I took the picture below.
Nice picture but, it doesn't show the squirrels scampering about, no smells. Doesn't show the nice elderly couple I met. ( funny, the old gentleman at one time did bonsai but had to give it up because of arthritis in his hands) A lot is missing from that picture.
What is missing is mostly good memories.

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