What happens after summer?

The weather is getting cold and already I'm missing summer.  When I look back at the images taken this year, summer is a dominate theme.  Bright color, birds and summer landscapes, they all make you feel good. It must be something about growth and new life.  Vibrancy of nature.
But all that's gone for this year, time to think about the future.  Where should resources be spent?  Should it be new gear?  Travel to new places?  Or maybe new subjects?  

Trying to get some good winter shots would be a good idea, but I have to admit to being less enthusiastic.  Not a big fan of the cold to start with, and I think it's harder to find great shots.  That's probably wrong, shots are there, it's more a matter of getting your mind right.  Finding subjects that work in the winter.  I've not been good at that in past years.  That just makes it more of a challenge. 

The butterfly shot for this week is a good example.  In the summer there are flowers everywhere, including some in my own back yard.  There are several local gardens available, along with all the butterflies and other critters that inhabit them. All great summer subjects. 
In December, January and February, the easy go-to subjects and shots are harder to find. 

Maybe the best investment I could make would be in fishing waders, warm and damp proof clothes, and travel to the wetlands.  There are several great wetland nature preserves and wildlife refuges in the Carolinas.  The better ones are more than a day trip.  That means more of a commitment.  And absolutely more of a challenge that buying the latest cool camera or lens.   

Thinking I might need to start with some thermal underwear.