Sun-Dappled Shadows + Snow = Lagniappe

I visited the Vicksburg National Cemetery yesterday, with a specific mission in mind. But, as is sometimes the case, I got sidetracked by lagniappe — in the form of some twisted old tree trunks and roots that were still covered by a thin layer of snow from our recent snowfall.

The contrast between the snow and sun-dappled shadows made the shapes and textures of the old Magnolia roots even more interesting, and I couldn't resist detouring from my "mission" and stopping to capture some pictures of them.

This grave marker was almost hidden amongst the roots of this old Magnolia tree ...

I would love to know the story of the person whose final resting place on earth is under Marker No. 9167, but of the approximate 17,000 Union soldiers buried in the cemetery, only 5,000 are known, so odds are that No. 9167 is one of the unknowns (there are no Confederate burials here. Confederate soldiers were interred at Cedar Hill Cemetery in the City of Vicksburg).

More grave markers embraced by Magnolia roots (notice the ray of sunlight focusing on the marker).

I love the moss on these roots, and the Magnolia seed pods scattered around the tree ...

And the way the sun seemed to shine a spotlight on the roots of this tree, drawing me closer to see ...

A little farther down the road, I noticed the gnarled trunk of an old pine tree that seemed reluctant to let go of the snow resting in its crevices (you can click on the pictures to enlarge them, if you would like to get a closer look).

The little "door" in this next picture conjured up visions of fairies who might make their home there, only coming out at night to grace the cemetery with their pixie dust.

Can you see the "face" in this picture?

Isn't it amazing that one old tree trunk could have so many interesting features! I think this next one resembles a keyhole (perhaps leading to another fairy house?).

This row of markers looked cold in the shadows ...

I hope you enjoyed taking this little "detour" with me. It was truly wonderful lagniappe, but the subject of my original "mission" is even more wonderful. I hope you will join me next time to hear its story and see the pictures I captured of it.