The air temperature was -7 at sunrise (7:12 AM EST), but I was on the trail at 7:45, because I really wanted to see the bear tracks and even if this week were not a client heavy week, a rainstorm is predicted for tomorrow night, which may wash all the snow away.
My nose seemed to be running constantly and whatever I used tissues, paper towels or napkins froze when I stuck them in my pocket. My body heat was not enough even to keep me warm, right toe didn’t warm up until I was well on my way back. But the tracks were amazing, a print about 5 or 6 inches long, with toes and claws all preserved in freeze dried snow told me this is a small black bear. What is disturbing is the sight of the prints near the water tower of a nearby residential community.
It’s supposed to get warm again and I hope the bear stays far from people.
