Jeziorki's wetlands freeze over

The frosty, sunny spell continues to hold good. This afternoon was not as cold as past days (a mere -2C when I strolled out); the sun shone brightly in a cloudless sty. I decided to check the wetlands between ul. Trombity and ul. Dumki, so I put on thick socks and wellingtons. I needn't have had - the ice was so thick you could ride a motorcycle over it - and indeed someone had.

Above: frozen pond towards the southern end of ul. Trombity. A guy was out ice-skating here. Plenty of tracks of wildlife - hares and foxes. Below: the larger lake at the other end of our road - also frozen solid, with a light covering of powdery snow. The average temperature for this week was a chilly -9C (I tremble at the thought of my next gas bill!)

Below: this is the first time I can cross the reedbeds on foot from west to east since the summer of 2008, when the water-level was low enough to wade through. Now, it's much higher, but the ice is good and thick right across the entire wetlands.

Below: The sun set today a few minutes after five pm, an hour and three-quarters later than on the shortest day. But there's still no sign of spring on the way - nature seems to be in a permanent deep freeze. Three more weeks of winter still await.

This time last year:
Kensington, a London village

This time two years ago:
Lenten reciples

This time three years ago:
A walk through Sadyba