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Our last tour of 2025 was on Sunday, December 28th. The day was overcast with misting rain and cool temps, but 5 folks showed up with smiles and great attitudes to brave the weather. Jocassee’s winterscape didn’t disappoint. With minimal boat traffic, we found ourselves, at times, looking out across the water and wondering if we were the only boat out there. To be able to have this place almost totally to yourself is a unique experience and something few people get to do. This time of year, the water is so clear that you can count rocks and trout in the shallows around the waterfalls. Bare branches of deciduous trees allow visual access to the steep hillsides and rocky outcrops, but as any naturalist knows, dormancy doesn’t mean inactivity. The eagles are laying eggs; the winter molt of loons is starting, and river otters are having pups. In early fall plant energy is redirected to the roots & buds are dehydrated and wrapped to protect the coming season’s growth. As the days lengthen, apical buds, especially, will soon be stretching and competing for as much sunlight as possible before the forest leafs out again in spring. If you’re patient & watch, dormant season is like listening to a piece of classical music that softly, slowly builds to a crescendo. We have weeks to go before we reach that peak, but I’ll encourage you to come join us. Let’s enjoy this New Year’s symphony together. ~Sheryl White, JLT naturalist guide.