I hiked a trail I had not been on since last spring. The “tap, tap, tap” of snow pellets landing on dried leaves during yesterday’s brief storm accumulated to an inch and a half of snow perfect for tracks.
From my journal:
Clearly the coyotes had a New Year’s Eve venison feast. There were at least two coyote couples, maybe three and not much left of the carcass. I am guessing the deer may have been hit by a train a day or two ago. Clearly there had been a feast - but could even six coyotes have reduced the deer to hooves and patches of fur in one “binge-fest?”
The mice and rabbits, who bounded in and out of the brush alongside the railroad tracks, must also have been celebrating New Year’s Eve. The coyotes were likely too full to pursue them. Soon the coyotes will mate and in a couple of months, if I’m lucky, maybe I’ll see pups.I’m at the ridge, having passed a vigorous waterfall. I’m seated on a rock protruding from what must be a layer of limestone. The red cedar trees grow along this line, but are not growing anywhere else on the mountainside. The view is spectacular, but the amplified noise from the network of roads and rail lines below is so loud that I can barely hear myself think.
At least I can sit and write today. Yesterday I was so cold while hiking that I had no motivation to stop. Even after I got home and treated myself to a Rumplemintz, I could not shake the cold. But today there is no humidity, just a hazy, overcast sky. I really want to get a decent digital camera. I got a few shots today with the toy I have - but I’m missing an opportunity to get some great track shots.
I’ll have to prioritize. My hiking boots leak, my snowshoes are falling apart - and I still have writing-related purchases to make.