Snow days--all too infrequent in recent years, perhaps providing our own local confirmation of warming climate trends--are like extra holidays, providing an unexpected opportunity to get out and explore with my cameras. This particular January day, an unexpected snow fell in early morning, wet, heavy and clinging to branches and leaves. Upon receiving the message that my office would be closed for the day, I gathered my gear and headed out to find a stretch of Blue Ridge Parkway that hadn't been closed to traffic. The Flat Rock Trail area south of Grandfather Mountain provided just the opportunity I hoped for--relatively easy access, even from the snow-covered Parkway, and an established trail to walk in search of photographic subjects. Along the trail, I noticed this old hemlock, leaning at a graceful angle and offering an interesting contrast of color and texture against the white snow and the feathery green needles of its younger siblings.