Snowshoe Hike January 7, 2013

First let me say that though I haven't posted for some time, I do not like the "new" blogger.  I can't seem to format my blog as I used to.  It is tedious trying to figure this out while wanting to just write a post. There seems to be much more "white space" now.  I almost think it would be better for me to cut and paste my blog from a word document.

At any rate, yesterday Evvy and I had occasion to snowshoe in the Derryhill area. The sun was bright and not a cloud in the sky.  The first thing I noticed on my way to my favorite trail was that the Derry Hill Rd. has been widened, and graded for access to a timber operation further up.  I certainly hope that what follows is not a development.  I know much of the land was for sale.

 

Evvy

Deer bed 1

Despite being hit by a car last Thursday, Evvy took to the snow like a champ.  Bounding and rooting as energetically as always.  She is a real trooper, and resilient to say the least.

We came across a few small deer yards, which I assume are the same three deer.  I was delighted to find this evidence as I had thought the deer population had not survived the latest hunting season.  In my opinion, Derry Hill is over hunted.
 
 

Deer bed 2

In addition to the three beds we found.  I found a number of tracks belonging to Fisher, Bear, Racoon, and Fox.  Interestingly, I had found a single Bear track last week off County Rd. The tracks I found on Derry Hill were the same size, of the same age, and moving in the same direction as those from last week.

I also found that one other person has snowshoe'd the area.  I bushwhacked across an old beaver pond, Evvy raced around full-tilt without crashing. How she does this, I'll never know. 

We made our way through the woods back to the worn trail.  We'd gone one mile which was all we had time for as I had to get ready for work.  On the weekends though I have enjoyed much longer hikes alone, and with friends.  So far this winter, we have been blessed with snow, however this week is much warmer than last and I fear much of the snow will be lost by week's end.

Fisher track

Deer Bed 3