Tag Archives: winter solstice

Solace in the Solstice

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Today is the first full day of winter (it officially kicked in last night at 11 minutes before midnight). Ironically, for those of us who live to be outside, the winter solstice sets off a round of brooding over short days and long, long nights.
In fact, the winter solstice marks a turning point that should have the sun worshipers among us rejoicing. Starting today, we start to gain back vital sunlight, seconds a day at first, then, starting January 11, minutes. (In fact, we’ve already been gaining sunlight at day’s end since Dec. 7.) Whereas sunset today is at 5:05 p.m., on January 11, it will set at 5:20 p.m., at 5:52 p.m. on February 11, and at 6:19 p.m. on March 11. Two days later, on March 13, Daylight Savings Time kicks in, at which point we’re back to slipping out early for an after work adventure. (To further follow the sun’s return, check out this site, which includes a countdown clock to the summer solstice.)
Even though it’s the first full day of winter, there’s growing light at the end of the tunnel. read more

This weekend: Welcome, winter

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Don’t let a lack of daylight (Sunday is the winter solstice, fyi) keep you from venturing out. In fact, a lack of daylight is the reason for getting out Sunday at DuPont State Recreational Forest.

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Sometimes we head into the wild to free our minds, sometimes our goal is to fill it. Sometimes, you end up doing both. read more