"God put the snow here but it was man who shoveled it away," said Bob Loomis as he and his family dug out their long driveway and freed his vehicles in the bitter cold Saturday, just hours after the the Blizzard of '13 finally left Belmont after staying for 26 hours over two days. 

Loomis ventured out and joined many neighbors on Slade Street Saturday afternoon as they began the big digging out from the 27-inches of snow deposited on the town. 

The roar of snow blowers, not heard in these parts for two years, was the only sound heard in many neighborhoods as contractors raced up and down the abandoned roadways as people took advantage of mostly traffic-free streets to enjoy for at least a moment of winter solitude. 

Many bundled up and walked the streets with children, spouses and pets. 

Gail Erdos took Roxy and Serius for a walk after being couped up for the past day.

"It's beautiful outside with the sun coming out," said Erdos.