WriterByNature.com

February 9, 2010 7:29 am

So far this winter, abundant snow has fallen well south of me, but the inch or two that has fallen here is perfect for tracking animals that are not easy to see, like the bobcat.

My notebook is 5.5 inches long, so I have an idea of this feline’s stride.

In preparation for my workshop, I took the opportunity to hike the same trail three days in a row. The first day there were only two or three sets of tracks, including mine. By day three, more individuals traveled this particular trail.

The patina of snow does not always cover the ice, which has its own beauty

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December 25, 2009 12:28 pm

I did finally recover enough muscle memory to cross country ski without falling, so I took my camera out to photograph tracks.

The bitter cold temperatures have kept the snow a powdery texture, protected from wind in the woods, subject to amazing drift in the open areas.

The patina of snow made the details of this fox track very clear.

And the activity in this sector has me guessing a bird of prey may have caught a rodent.

Compare the following two photos and see what’s different in the few minutes between when the first and second photos were taken:

Here are a few more photos from my solstice week trek: (more…)

December 23, 2009 7:53 am

There are few things that would lure me out of the woods when conditions are perfect for both cross-country skiing and tracking. Cookies made from acorn flour and dipped in chocolate and black walnuts  – I never had a chance.

Baking does not come naturally to me, so I appreciate the mastery of fellow forager Jim Capossela. I don’t know him well enough to even hint that I’d like the recipe.

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November 8, 2009 8:12 am

Finding the right light-weight gear to make long-distance backpacking more comfortable has been more of a challenge than I anticipated.

From the moment I learned about tarps and hammocks, I was hooked. My latest challenge has been finding the right backpack.

My gear quest involves spending both woods time and computer time. It’s great to see what’s being marketed online. Some sites even include instructional videos. But unless a merchant has a decent return policy, tread carefully. You have to test the gear in the field. (more…)

September 29, 2009 6:13 am

Chicken mushrooms are abundant and succulent this year. I initially thought the Red Eft was enjoying the mushroom.

According to two people, the salamander is enjoying the insects (possibly Springtails) who are enjoying this mushroom.

I was fortunate to accompany Dianna Smith and George Johanson for a trek to plan the NEMF foray which will take place in late September 2010.  If conditions are anything like this next year, the event will be a huge success.

September 21, 2009 9:13 am

As we crossed a sunny field with milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) and dogbane (Apocynum cannabinum) growing in abundance, an animated conversation ensued as to which was which. Studying a plant in all seasons provides a valuable opportunity to note similarities and differences.

I rarely disagree with George Johanson, but yes, dogbane and milkweed do grow together, as shown in this photo I found online:

This spring photo reveals the subtle differences in the size and shape of the leaves, but other features provide a more readily visible distinction in the field. Yesterday, it was obvious that some plants had smooth stems and some had fine hairs.

Page 299 from The Forager’s Harvest has a very handy chart listing the basic field identifiers between the two. Here are a few highlights:

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August 15, 2009 8:54 am

I’m amazed at the amount of valuable information uploaded by people who love the outdoors as I do and have the ability to invent or modify equipment that makes bushcraft even more rewarding.

Kudos and a million thanks to:

Hammock Forums – I thought I was a hammock enthusiast. The people who post here have already solved some of my hammock use questions.

Trail Gear – I love the idea of J. Falk’s bushwhacker stove. He’s produced several videos to show how it works.

August 8, 2009 9:34 pm

The two really seem to go together. Discovering one waterfall is a blessing; discovering another waterfall and swimming hole  in a totally different location is magic.

I’m not telling where this is or where I found abundant black trumpets.

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August 6, 2009 7:21 pm

I’m not going to reveal where this is:

Natural swimming holes are a blessing. It’s why I haven’t been online in several days.

I’m heading back there with my swim suit and a hammock.

May 10, 2009 2:53 pm

When I hear a Wood Thrush sing for the first time each season, it’s a moment of pure joy. This has been a remarkable year. I not only got to hear a few stanzas, I got more than a glimpse.  I’d love to have gotten closer, but I’ll take what I can get:

This was on a hike in the woods.

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