Winter Fog: A Magical Hazard
By theprofessionalhobo ~ June 26th, 2009. Filed under: Australia.
The fog that rolls through the Victorian countryside in the winter is nothing short of epic. Typical winter mornings see beautiful thick layers flowing through valleys, leaving only the hilltops to greet the morning sun.
My morning walks often begin in fog so thick that driving is a hazard. As I follow the road up towards the state forest with a flowing river and secluded campgrounds, I come out of the fog at a clearing; the curtain is literally lifted as I emerge from a tangible wall of white cool damp fog.
I turn around to see where I’ve come from, and the sight is magical.
The other week, fog as thick as ever set in and shrouded us for over three days. For three solid days, we did not see the sun, and could not see further than five meters in any direction. Although it didn’t rain, everything was constantly wet. Driving during this time – especially at night – was a real treat, with speeds rarely exceeding 60kms for lack of any references or ability to spot wildlife on the road.
Eerily, it reminds us of the Victorian Bush Fires, where living with smoke became a way of life. Thankfully the resemblance is only visual; instead of being caustic and hot, the fog is cool and wet. Although I’d like to use the word “refreshing”, the chilly cool winter air pretty much takes care of that – and then some.
June 27th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Lovely photos! I’m one of those strange people that loves fog! When I lived in San Francsico I loved it when the fog would roll in and blanket the city – everyone else hated it because it was dreary. I find it fascinating – like a living being!
June 27th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
@Sherry – Thanks! What’s truly amazing to me is that those pictures were all taken in my proverbial backyard – on my morning walks. It’s absolutely beautiful here – even in winter (which I’m on a sadly failing mission to avoid).
June 28th, 2009 at 5:52 am
Fog acts almost like artistic filter. The photos are amazing. Anna
June 29th, 2009 at 9:32 am
Thanks! The fog here is a photographer’s delight – it is so different every day!
June 29th, 2009 at 10:23 am
Nice one Nora,
Like a good foggy day. Still, without any wind and chilly.
July 10th, 2009 at 1:22 pm
Great photos. Like a fairyland
July 10th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
Thanks, Jessy! It is absolutely magical, indeed.