Watch Your Step!

Evvy and I went to the lower Fay Falls this morning. I knew she would love the great pools at the bottom of the falls, and she did.  The cold water invigorates her so much, she runs willy-nilly up and down the banks.  It matters not how slippery the rocks are, and they are very slick.  Evvy falls into the water, and jumps right back up.  The unfortunate part is that she wants to include me in her frolicking.  She bounds toward me, and then jumps straight up my side.  I get soaked to the skin, and wonder if coming to the falls was such a great idea after all.  But I do enjoy watching her friskiness.  I should be so energetic.  Here she is taking a break from her swim.

Is it me? Or are there zillions of Red Efts under foot?  It seems like there are more around this year for some reason.  Especially after alot of rain, I find myself doing a dance of sorts when walking through the woods.  I don't want to step on these fragile salamanders, so I sometimes have to jump at the last second to avoid squishing them.

The third photo is a piece of very wet wood, that has turned a bluish-green in the decomp process.  The neat thing about it is, if you let is dry out and throw a chunk into your fireplace, you will see some cool colors burn forth.  Just a little tidbit for your cocktail dairy.

There are gobs of Partridge Berries out now for you crafters.  If you put a bunch of berries and the leaves into a clear glass globe jar, they make a nice centerpiece.  Be sure to keep some water in there, and put a tightly sealed top on.  Oh, and another tidbit....if you chew on the leaves, they taste like the Teaberry gum you can get at the Vermont General Store.  

Who knew?!

Outstanding in her Field

Despite all the "damp-ish" weather, Evvy and I walk the woods every day.  This morning was no different really.  I decided to walk up back behind my house.  It's beautiful up there, and at the top there is a nice view toward Fall Mountain.   Last night I heard a caucophony of coyote sounds. It sounded like they were right in the back yard.  I figured if I took Evvy up there this morning, she would find out what all the hub-bub was all about.  No such luck.  What ever the coyotes were doing, remains a secret.  There were heavy rains last night, up to an inch in some locations.  So I wouldn't find a blood trail if there was one.  I did see places where ferns had been trampled, but it could of been me from previous walks.  We walked up to a deer stand that I use in Fall, and Evvy found an old deer leg bone.  She had to lug that thing every where we walked.  Occasionally, she'd drop to the ground and gnaw on it for a while.    I let her carry it back to the house, but no deer bones in the house.....eeeeewwww.   Reluctantly Evvy gave up her prize, and I set it on the porch railing.

Yesterday morning, Evvy chased Chipmunks as she is always wont to do.  This time however, Evvy successfully caught one!  Much to my dismay, I never thought she would.  But I watched the whole thing play out.  The Chipmunk made a fateful error by attempting to climb up a tree where the bark was just falling away.  The bark did fall away along with Chippy, and Evvy was right there to catch him.  Unfortunately for the Chipmunk, Evvy "the chainsaw" has a strong bite.  I often wonder if she would make a good police patrol dog.  Anyway, the Chipmunk died instantly.  

Evvy didn't eat the Chipmunk, rather she galloped along seemingly proud of herself.  She would drop the little lifeless creature, then pick it back up.  Finally, she dropped and abandoned it.   When we came by that way again later, Evvy picked up her prize once more and carried it all the way home.  Once again.....no dead things in the house.  At the door, I asked Evvy to drop it, and she did.  Later, long after Evvy had forgotten her catch, I retrieved the Chipmunk from the porch and disposed of it.   

Evvy is so child-like, and entertaining except when she does naughty things; chase the cats, jump up on the glass french doors to get at chippy's outside, attempt in vain to chase cars, jump up on people, drive her cousin "Ringo" nuts, beg for people food, bark at chickens, guinea hens, cows, horses, and Old John Stevens who hikes stealthily(so he thinks) through the woods.  All in all Evvy is a good dog, and a great companion who never complains.

Flowers On The Connecticut

What a day to be on the river.  After tending to all the animals I'm watching this weekend, I threw my kayak onto the truck and headed for River Rd. in Westmoreland.  The drive there is by itself picture perfect the whole way.  But once on the river, I saw one wonder after another.  The river seemed perfectly still, and nearly flat.  I hugged the west shore for my paddle upstream.  I passed a muskrat swimming stealthily along.  I was happy to not see alot of garbage, though the silt may cover much of it.  I paddled up for about an hour and a half, then turned around for the return.  Beautiful flowering trees relinquished a sweet smell as an easy breeze picked up.  Cottony seeds rained down from Maples and covered the water like snow(if snow could cover water).  I saw a few Forget-me-nots, and small stands of Yellow Iris.  I looked for Scarlet Flower but didn't see any.

My original plan was to do some fishing, but in my haste to get going, I forget my pole!  Oh well, I did find some spots I'd like to return to for fishing.  I found that the west side of the river tended to be more silty, while my return trip was more rocky.  That is where I hope to do some fishing next time.  I saw fish swimming along, so I'm optimistic there is something to fish for.

I stuck my feet over the sides of my kayak and "cooled my heels".  It was so relaxing to just drift along, soaking up the sun.   After housting the kayak back onto my truck, I made a stop at "Stuart and John's Sugar House" for an ice cream.....my addiction.

Evvy and her mud

Last night at about 9:00 p.m. my friends and me were watching some large bucks grazing in a field.  They had just the start of new antlers showing.  There were three really good sized bucks, and one smaller one.  We figured there would be one for each of us come this fall.   We watched as the deer made their way to the top of the field and back into the woods.   Not fifteen minutes later, a cacophony of coyote sounds broke the silence!  Several coyotes could be heard not far from where the deer had been.  The yipping, and yapping continued for many minutes.  I couldn't help but wonder if they had found a fawn, another small deer.  My friend Josie then announced that two of their cows had been missing at last count.  At that point it was of course too late to go looking for them.  Hopefully, they were just misscounted.

This morning, I took Evvy up to the area where we saw the deer.  I figured if there had been anything killed, she would find what ever morsels were left.   But Evvy didn't locate a thing.

So either nothing was killed, or the coyotes left nothing of their kill.

We made a big loop through woods, and fields until we rejoined a walking path in a Monadnock Conservancy property.   Evvy took the opportunity to first wallow in a mud puddle.  Evvy likes to lay in the puddle, then put her muzzle under the water and fling mud and water up into the air.   Later she rinsed in a brook, by once again laying in it.  It makes my job alot easier because if she doesn't rinse I have to rinse her with the hose.  When I use the hose, we both get soaked.

What Happens when you Lose to a Stanchion

On Monday, I stopped by my neighbor's Holstein dairy farm.   There's always something doin, from fixing the Harrow, to catching cows.  Anyway, on this day they were moving some young cows around inside the barn(s).   I was game for this adventure, and found that it was alot harder than I imagined!  In fact it was a great workout, trying to pull these young lasses into their new location, and into their respective stanchions.  Until...  I was pulling a lively cow's head through a stanchion using a rope that was around her head and neck.   I got her head through the stanchion, then the rest of her came barreling through as well.  It wasn't pretty.  The cow plowed through, and past me.  The stanchion broke apart and cracked me squarely in the nose.   For a moment, everyone just froze and looked at me.   It didn't really hurt all that much at the time, but the bleeding was most dramatic.  Nevertheless, I wanted to continue to move these cows.  After pinching my nose for several minutes, until the bleeding stopped, I rejoined the "cow catching" game.  I had alot of fun, and worked up a good sweat.  As for the farmers, they got a good laugh, and were grateful for the extra hand.  

The bruising around my eyes has progressed over the last days, looking much worse than it really is.  I can't wait for my next impromptu visit to the farm!

Snakes & Hares

Evvy and I took a trip up to the rocky top of Derry Hill Rd. which is part of the Britton Farm in Walpole.  There are some neat granite outcroppings there that probably once had excellent views.  Now though trees and their foliage block any view.  Most of the smaller granite rocks are near perfectly square like bricks.  On one outcrop, someone had painstakingly begun to create small shelter.   Wondering if I might find any snakes, I looked in the dark spaces between these rocks.  Sure enough, I found the shed skin of a snake not too far from a Ringneck Snake.  I borrowed the photo from J.D. Willson, and the following description of the snake from the NH Audobon website.  

Ringneck Snake (Diadophis punctatus) 
This small and slender species is, like the Brown and Redbelly, also quite secretive. Usually smaller than two-feet, the Ringneck is black, gray, or brown with a gold collar and a yellow belly. They prefer wooded areas with lots of cover in the form of logs and rocks and their diet consists of anything they can catch including salamanders, frogs, smaller snakes, earthworms and insects. The females lay 1 to 10 eggs in June or July and many females may share the same cavity for egg-laying. Some females keep the eggs in their bodies until they hatch. Otherwise, from egg to hatching takes eight weeks. It takes one year for them to reach sexual maturity. (www.nhaudobon.org/atn_snakes.html)

I found two of these snakes this morning in different places, but both under rocks.  

Evvy was interested in creatures that move faster.  She entertained herself by chasing, very briefly, a Snowshoe Hare.   Evvy was unsuccessful at catching the hare, just I figured.  She is not a good hunter, she just runs and bounds like a clod.  The only bounty that Evvy is successful at catching, is dead things, bones, carcasses, and of course the smelliest excrement she can find.

There was a hard frost last night.  I covered my garden, but some of the plastic blew off and exposed my spinach.  I'm not sure if it's damaged or not.  Looks okay.

It was a great morning for walking, no bugs!   So Evvy and I headed for Merriam Rd which becomes a logging road into Surry from Walpole.   There is a really neat hunting/get-away camp there.  It really IS the perfect spot.  A lovely brook flows right through the area.  The brook flows into what looks like a natural canal(top photo), and it's deep enough that you could sit in it.   You would have to be a pretty hearty individual though, because it's freezing cold.  Evvy loved it.  I followed the brook down slope for quite a distance, and found, cascade after cascade.  Each little falls as impressive as the first.  At one point the rock flattens out and looks like you could almost slide down.

Yesterday I took a Sunday drive over to Jaffrey, where I couldn't resist Kimball's famous ice cream.  Then I drove some backroads around Mt. Monadncok just as a fierce thunderstorm cut loose.  What fun!  The storm passed quickly, and I got this great shot from the north eastern side(I think).  I found great views all around the mountain even in gray weather.

Quintessential Walpole

I got up much earlier than usual today, maybe because the Robins were quite loud at 5:30 a.m.

Nevertheless, after my routine hazelnut coffee, and french toast, Evvy and I headed out once more for our morning constitutional.  I really had no energy to do it, but I'm always glad I do once I get into it.  The morning sun had burned off all the fog except for that over the Connecticut River. From the top of Sheep Hill I could see the line of fog, beneath the Green Mts in the distance.   The air was fresh and damp following three days of pretty steady rain.

After taking in the vista on Sheep Hill I walked north back toward County Rd. where you will find freshly tilled cornfields, recently cut hayfields, and the Jerseys of Crescent Farm.  The cows and bull, all ran along the fence as Evvy and I walked along.  The poor bull has had his horns cut off, still bleeding after at least a week.....eeeewwww.   Last but not least the top picture is my modest garden, which I am most proud.  I haven't attempted gardening for many, many years, but this one is going great guns.  My garden is days, maybe weeks ahead of others in the area.  The trick....I started earlier, and just covered the garden with clear plastic on the frosty nights.

I'll have cabbage, broccoli, tomato, spinach, celery, cukes, summer squash, and strawberries.

Thankfully, no creatures have found this little oasis.

Perfect Spring Day

We just got back from our morning hike. Evvy and I started at the top of what was once called "Pelshue Rd" in Walpole.  Now it's just an access to hay fields.   There is a beautiful view from the large cellar hole to the right of a trail just north of Pelshue Rd.  As I wandered around the cellar hole area, I looked out at Vermont ski areas in the distance.  Most prominent is Stratton Mt.  There is a spot on the front of the mountain, and I wonder if it's snow or rock?   I found these brilliant Wild Columbine flowers.  I don't see this plant often, but what a beauty.  They were growing in a shady spot along the old stone foundation.  They will bloom through July, so there's still time for you to find some.

We made our way down the steep trail to the brook below, where we entered the Faulkner Forest.  The Faulkner Forest is a conservation area with many hundreds of acres of trails to walk.  The old Windgate Rd is badly washed out and even I wouldn't try to ride my mountain bike down, or up the road.  If you follow the Windgate road east, you'll come to an intersection with Mt. Gilboa Rd.  Take a left, and you'll walk past an old chimney on the right.  The chimney is all that remains of a cabin that once stood there.  Continuing up the hill, you'll come to a gate, and just beyond that a beautiful picnic spot marked with a dedication plaque which talks about the Faulkner Forest, and family.  There is a large cellar hole here as well, marked with large stands of lilacs.  Someone manages to keep the grass mown up there, and it's just beautiful.  I like to imagine walking around the grand house, though I have no idea what it looked like.  There is a small statue, in the north corner, like something you might put in a garden.  From this spot there are a couple of trails that wonder into the forest.  One will take you back toward County Rd., the other will take you all the way in to the southern part of Surry.  Plenty of cellar holes along that route, but nearly hidden by overgrowth.

Wild Flowers

Evvy and I drove up to Scovill Rd. which is the south side of Derry Hill, where there is a Forest Society easement.  We've been here a million times, winter and summer.  We never get tired of the  beautiful view from the High Blue vista.   Today was extra special because we found a Grouse nest, in a place I wouldn't have considered.  She had perched herself in a very sandy, rooty, fallen tree.  It's difficult to explain, but she had a well worn furrow in the sandy roots making it nearly impossible to see her.....that is until Evvy disturbed her.  Thankfully, no eggs in the nest.

Next we  came across some excellent Pink Ladyslipper specimens, only two plants.   When we got to the High Blue, we were greeted by two other hikers and their dogs.  I had heard them before we arrived, so I put the leash back on Evvy.  Evvy has no manners, she will dash up to any dog or human, and want to play.  I have yet to figure how to stop this, but I will.  After exchanging pleasantries, we left the vista with barely a pause.  

My mother asks me nearly every day if I've see the Mayflowers yet.  I finally found them by smell.  All along the trail these fragile looking little white flowers lay, with such sweet fragrance(above photo).  Had I not picked one and smelled it, I might never have known.  I did however look it up in my wildflower guide the minute I returned home, just to confirm.

One final thought on this Veteran's Day (observed), I remember as I'm sure you all do, the many, many fallen soldiers who have fought so diligently for our freedom.  "God bless America, my home sweet home".

Amendment: My mother looks at my blog and corrects me if I am mistaken in my identifications.  So, she tells me the flower pictured is "Ground Nut", not the May Flower that she knows.   In my wildflower book, this flower is identified as Canada Mayflower.  

Jane Doe Revisited

I have just about finished my facial reconstruction of the Delaware skull.  I walk past her every day, and wonder just how far the modeling should go.  I will add some eyelashes, and smooth out the surface to make it more realistic.  When it's finished, I'll take a set of photos, then break the whole thing down.  I will send it, and a set of photos back to Delaware.  Hopefully we will learn who this person was, and what happened to her.

In addition to working on my sculpture I  have also continued to spend lots of time in the woods.  The mosquitos have been relentless especially first thing in the morning.  They seem impervious to even repellent.  I have seen Prothonotary Warblers, Scarlet Tanager, and Magnolia Warblers to name a few.   Northern Orioles are abundant as well.  I have seen them in bloom adorned apple trees.   There are two pair of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds at my feeder now.  They are entertaining as they fight for a spot at the nectar.  I also have a Robin  nesting right outside my window.  It has been a treat watching as she feeds her little ones.  The other day she fought off a Catbird.  I watched as the Catbird was stunned, then fallen to the lawn below.  The Catbird was unharmed and soon flew away. But that bird learned quickly not to mess with Mrs. Robin.

This morning bright and early, a small group of cyclists from my church, took such a pleasant, tranquil ride along River Rd. in Walpole.  We past farm and field, time and again.  A very leisurely pace enabled us to carry on conversations, remarking at our motivation so early in the day.  We all decided the beauty of the landscape and the opportunity to get some exercise, was well worth waking up early.

Shinbone Shack

Last Saturday I joined a very large crowd of hikers at the end of Aten Rd., in Stoddard, NH.  So many people gathered there because of the interesting stories surrounding the late residents.   Perley Swett self proclaimed hermit lived on the property.  He lived a solitary life enjoying the hills and woods of Stoddard.  He even painted his own grave marker, and spot to be buried near his house.  Also on this vast property, a small cabin affectionately known as "Shinbone  Shack" (pic #3).  The cabin has fallen into disrepair, but if you go inside you can still see the brick hearth where two shin bones were inlayed.  The bones have long since been removed, and the cabin is unhabitable.  Nearby, a much larger palatial Adirondack style cabin (pic #1) was built in the 1930's.  The Great Depression put a halt to the construction, but it was later completed for one of the Aten women.  She never saw the finished cabin as she had passed away beforehand.  This beautiful home features a large pond with stone grinding wheels adorning the shore line.  Inside the cabin, a great room in the center has an open cathedral ceiling with rough hewn log supports and a beautiful stone fireplace.  There is ample room for many people to stay or visit.  The kitchen has been updated over the years, and the nostalgic lighting is gas lamps on the walls.

On Sunday, I hiked Mt. Kearsarge in Warner, NH.  The roundtrip hike was over 8 miles.  My hips, back, and knees are still feeling the stiffening affects.  Despite an overcast and cool day, there was a beautiful view from the top.  The bonus was to find several patches of Pink Lady Slippers (pic. #2) along the way.  I took a photo of one patch that have begun to blossom.  I always thought Lady Slippers bloomed in June, but what a great surprise to see them in May.

Bobcats Among us!

That's right I saw a Bobcat while out mountain biking on Mt. Gilboa.  Though I didn't take this picture, the cat I saw looked very much like him.  I had been bushwhacking my way down the west side of the mountain after following a lame logging trail.  The trail ended, but I decided to forge ahead through the woods, circling back around to the original trail(NH snowmobile trail 5).  I came out in a swampy area near the railroad bed that parallels Rte. 12 in Westmoreland.

I was running way behind schedule, so I had to really haul.  Lactic acid was building up all over my legs and butt.   But I was determined to make it back to my house in time to get to my class.

I rode back up to the trail #5 which was significantly easier than the bushwhacking excursion I'd just completed.   I was rolling along slowly and silently when I noticed the large cat walking away from me down the trail.  He had no idea I was there.  He looked like he wished it was about 20 degrees cooler, as he ambled along.  When I got to within 15 yds of the cat, he turned back to look at me.  What a sight!  Those black tipped ears, and what big feet!  He froze for a millisecond, then he launched himself into bounding away from me and down the trail.  I had hoped to see a Bear, but seeing this Bobcat was even better.

What a Find!

Evvy and I took a walk down Whipple Hill Rd, toward the old Rapids Rd.  There are a few old cellar holes along the Rapids Rd. The telltale signs are usually Apple trees and large overgrown Lilacs.  This morning though, we found an added surprise in the first cellar hole.  Evvy scared up two hen Turkeys.  The first hen took off right away.  The second waiting until she couldn't stand it any longer.  Evvy growled but didn't charge at the Turkey.  I don't think Evvy was sure what she was dealing with.  Because it took so long for the second hen to fly off, I suspected she might be sitting on a nest.  So I drew closer for a look.   There on the top of a wall, long ago covered with shrubs and grass, a large nest full of eggs.   I had never seen a Turkey nest before, so I was thrilled.  To think I had just gone down to Great Brook Farm the other day for eggs!  These were beauties, and every bit as large as chicken eggs, maybe even alittle bigger.  There were fourteen, cream colored eggs with little brown specks.  I finished looking over the hen's fine work, and continued my walk with Evvy.   I hope the hen wasn't too frightened to return later.    On a funny note, a truck with two camo'ed turkey hunters drove right past me shortly after.   I heard them stop above at the top of the hill......they did a couple quick Turkey calls.  I had to laugh.  Surely they would never find Turkeys sitting in their truck!   Unfortunately, they are not the first bunch of Turkey hunters I've witnessed calling from the warmth, and luxury of their trucks.  Many, many drive past cornfields, and old pastures, stopping to make a call or two, then driving on, totally missing exactly what it was they were looking for.....DUH!

Heads will Roll

They say "variety is the spice of life", and there's variety in my life at the moment.  Not only do I watch for the colors of spring in the birds, and flowers.  I bring some sort of life back to the dead.

I have received an unidentified human skull from Delaware.   Asst. Deputy Medical Examiner Hal Brown and I had a chance to talk a couple weeks ago.  I inquired if he had any skulls laying around that I might reconstruct. It's been a while since I did the reconstruction for the NH State Police, I am eager to create a new face....so to speak.  

This skull arrived full of dirt, vegetative matter, and some red paint on her chin.  I cleaned up the skull, and began the reconstruction.  I guessed at the race of the skull, as there is ambigous info on her background, and I don't know any forensic anthropologists.

My best guess is that she is either Asian, or Southwestern American indian refered to as Mongoloid.  

I know the skull is a female because I can see that the superior aspect/superciliary arch of the orbits are nearly flat.  In males this area protrudes distinctly. Also I looked at the jawline, and mastoid process for remarkable angulation and larger structure.  In addition, the few teeth that are present in the mandible and maxilla, appear quite small.  A male skull of the same age would likely have larger teeth.

The second photo shows the reconstruction at the beginning stages of the actual artistic sculpture.  I had placed the depth tissue markers on the skull to get a general idea of how much "skin" to apply.  As she stands now, this is the "thinnest" representation of the female.  I will begin to add more meat to her face to bring a more realistic feel to it.   Eventually I will add hair, by way of a wig, and perhaps some color to her lips.  

Reconstructions for me are so much fun.  It's like reading a great book that you can't put down. I like to keep working on it straight through from start to finish without stopping.  But of course I do stop, to take Evvy out, and look for more signs of spring.   Then there is the required household chores, and classwork to do.   If I could do reconstructions as my work, it would never be work at all.  I love to see who develops.  Maybe someday we will find out who she is, and what happened to her.

New Arrivals Daily

It seems each day I discover another spring arrival.  Yesterday a male Ruby-throated Hummingbird arrived at the feeder.  I had put it out a week earlier in anticipation.  The Black-throated Green Warbler pictured, has also arrived with several other warblers.  This morning I was fortunate to see a Barred Owl at fairly close range, about 20'.  The bird soured low over my head an alit on a  branch to stare watchfully down at me.  Then I saw a Red-headed Wood-pecker which are usually seen alittle further south in Massachusetts.  I was wishing I had a camera that worked at that point.  Something has gone awry with the one I have, so I can't download photos from it.

Evvy and I have spent countless hours walking in the woods keeping our eyes peeled for anything neat, from cellar holes, to bones, to pieces of cars, and even a snowmobile key!  

I rode my mountain bike up to the quarry I know in Surry.  It's 7.25  miles round trip.  I like to go check up there to see what has been tossed in over the winter.  I am happy to report, no plastic snowmen.  But there  was a round float, like the kind you would use to slide on snow.

I wondered if someone had gone swimming? or floating in that cesspool.  I noticed several very large Bull frogs holding on to the flotsam.  I swear the frogs are as big as rats!

The tadpoles have popped out of their gelatinous blobs. I look forward to their future development, back legs, then front legs, tail reductions and finally becoming amphibious.

I'm so  happy that Spring is springing in such grand form.

Music to My Ears

Finally, I've heard the shrill trill and peeps of the Spring Peepers.  They like the wet puddles around cornfields, and vernal pools in the woods.  Sometimes they are so loud, you need to walk away.  The Peepers for me are another symbol of spring that I always look forward to.

Next will be the Lilacs blooming.  

This morning's walk up and around the Derry Hill area, afforded Evvy yet another opportunity to score bones.  I never see where she finds these things, she just appears with them.  Today she found a nearly intact deer leg!  She proudly carried that thing for more and a mile back to my house.  Of course, these treasures don't come inside, much as she'd love them to.  I have to distract Evvy long enough to quietly kick the bones off the porch, and lead her inside.  But she does remember, and continues to whine at the door, pleading with me to let her return to her treasure.

The entire week promises to be bright and sunny like today.  I can't help but be psyched to get out there in it.  I think I take the motorcycle to class tonight, such a liberating feeling.

Treasures Revealed

It's been a while since my last post I know.  I've been in the woods every day, usually twice a day.  As spring progresses I am finding more and more treasures revealed by the snow-melt.  Of course the birds arriving daily are such a surprise.   I practically stumbled over a Woodcock, pictured above. They wait until the last second to fly up from the ground where they hide without even trying.  Their camouflage is amazing, but when they fly up they stand out like a sore thumb.  A very strange shaped bird.  The woodcock looks to be more of a shorebird than a meadow bird.  As he flies, his wings whistle.   His mating flights  are a musical crescendo of ascending notes followed by colorful notes as he spirals down to the ground once more.

This morning I decided to look for a cabin I had found years back, along the Surry/Walpole line.  As the mornings are colder, I can still walk on the hardpack snow with ease.   I brought Evvy with me as usual.  She found three different bones, in three different locations within a half to 3/4 of a mile.  Two of the bones appeared to have been cut with a saw.   Naturally I am curious about this.  Was this a deer?  Poached?  Or was this even a deer?  A bear?  The bones were long bones, as in legs.  One bone was about 10" long and appeared to be somewhat curved.  There was a complete ball and socket joint at one end.  This would be the proximal end, nearest to the body mass.  There was meat still attached, and Evvy dragged each bone a long distance before being distracted by other things.

I never saw where Evvy picked up each bone, and I wondered if there were more where she had been.  Nevertheless, I was on a mission.  A large Barred Owl swooped just ten feet over my head to well in front of me.  That was neat.  Evvy dropped the bone and gave chase, as if she could ever hope to catch this magical bird.   I followed a trail marked with granite cairns, and melted snowshoe tracks.  I found a nice place to sit, where someone had constructed a bench, and campfire circle of granite.  The stones in this area are often perfect square shapes, like bricks.  Making cairns, or walls is easy with these rocks.  This particular trail looped into the woods from a main logging road, and back with no sight of the cabin.  I decided I must walk further up the logging road, and enter the woods to the east.  And so, I did find a recent logging road entering to the east.  I remembered the cabin had its own cairn markings.   I still hadn't seen any cairns, so I turned south and decided to make bigger and bigger circles until I found the trail.  At last, I did find this trail.  No one had passed here for a very long time.  Trees destroyed by the past ice storm of December littered the ground.  I recalled that the cabin had been perched along a ridgeline and had a decent view to the East.  Then I spotted a red utility trailer, a small one.  I raised my arms as if I had just won the lottery.   There amidst fallen White Pines was the small cabin.  The roof had some minor damage, but the cabin remained sound.   The loo had lost it's walls and roof, but the "single hole" with toilet cover was still there.  I was wishing for toilet paper, then decided to just wait til I got home.    I spent some time exploring around the cabin.   Frozen in some ice I found a the journal of Joey Rittle, dated July of 1993.  The pages were frozen together, as was the back cover and spine.  I could not read the journal without ruining it, so I let it be.  Besides those things are private, even if left out there in the "no where".   Mr. Rittle had piled up all his cabin stuff under a roof attached to the cabin; dishes, backpacks, camp chairs.  None of this was inside the cabin.  The cabin was secured by a healthy padlock, but I could see in the windows.  A perfect spot.  I fantasized about my own cabin yet to be built.

After I was sufficiently familiar with the surroundings and how I got there, I decided to find the cairn trail again.  Weather was moving in quickly, and I didn't want to be out there should it start raining.   Evvy continued to locate new bones, these had not been cut, but chewed.   

I located Rittle's cairn trail back toward the logging road I walked in from.   This trail connected to the Monadnock Conservancy easement, and the snowshoe trail I had found earlier.  I added a few extra cairns so I would more easily locate the trail from the east.   Finally Evvy and I emerged from the woods where we had first entered two hours earlier.  The sky had become completely overcast, and cooler.  When we began, the sky was sunny, and warm with few clouds.   We had flushed out some Roughed Grouse, and Evvy enjoyed chasing Robins, and Chipmunks alike.  If it moved, Evvy chased it. 

As I made my way back to the truck, I thought there must be a hundred years of cleanup necessary to remove all the trees ruined by the ice storm.  Maple trees lay bleeding their sap into the snow, and ice.   Oaks and pines lay strewn all over the trails, and into the woods.  

A successful exploration today, just one of many to come.

Catch A Tiger by the Tail

The other day we went to Stearns Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation in Tampa. We saw many, many animals that arrived here for one reason or another. This little tiger was born in Oklahoma, and moved here. Here name is "Nikita" and she is 14 months old. They told us she was at just about the age where humans are not able to just pat her as we were doing. She was quite a handful as it was. In fact, she bit a hole in one of the handler's jeans with barely any effort. I was surprised to find that her fur was quite course. I in my ignorance thought she would have soft fur. Her paws are already very strong, as is her bite. She loved biting her toys, and I suspect she WAS getting sick of so many people manhandling her.

There was a puzzling Emu walking the grounds. He had been there for some time. One of his legs was deformed, having survived an attack. But he got around just fine. There was a three legged whitetail deer, that also got around fine. Amazing, because out in the wild both of these creatures would have been eaten long ago.

My main concern with this facility was that most of the animal enclosures were, in my opinion much too small. There were Siberian Tigers in kennel sized cages. They paced back and forth, clearly reduced to psychological ruin. It was sad I thought. Black bears, African Lions, Florida Panther, Jaguar, and other cats are housed here. There are also many, many birds to include very beautiful pheasants from the orient, Parrots, Macaws, and even a flock of Turkeys. There were some small monkeys as well.

Two more days of warm sunshine here in Florida, then back to the harsh reality of late winter in New Hampshire....ugh. I will be glad to see MY creatures after so many days.

The Sunny South

Thank God for Florida in winter. No snow, no cold, no mailboxes being lopped off by a raging plowguy. I'm out in the sun every day walking, jogging, or just sitting sucking up the warmth. While there IS a drought going on, there are still things blooming here and there. Leaves are beginning to spring forth on the Cypress trees. I had occasion to take a nice 17 mile bike ride on my mom's beach comber single speed the other day. I rode through Jay B. Starkey Park, which is a wildlife conservation area of great expanse. I saw a Fox Squirrel like the one pictured. HUGE!! Like a small cat. He was oblivious to me, I suspect probably quite tame. He sports a lovely black coat on his back and head, with white underneath. I had never seen one before, so it was a treat. I noticed that along the path the ground appeared to have been rooted around in. Then I saw signs announcing a 3-day special hunt of Wild Hogs. The Fish and Wildlife agency for this area is holding the hunt for these wild pigs through tonight. The hunt is by special permit, maybe like our Moose Lottery. The hunt goes from 4 p.m. -4 a.m., and the trails are closed during this time. Of course the park closes at dusk anyway, which is about 6:45 p.m. down here.
I was wishing I could have gone on this hunt, or at least hang out at the checking station to see the results. Apparently there are too many wild pigs, and they are wandering into the residential areas looking for food. If only there weren't so many residential areas cropping up everywhere, perhaps the hogs might not be such a nuisance.

The soft shell turtles in the pond out back have been eaten by an alligator, but the large Painted Turtles are in abundance here. I enjoy watching them, some very large, like 20# basking on the sunny banks.

I'm hoping that back north the weather is warming, and melting that 2-3 feet of snow in my yard. For now though, I'm basking in the sun which is predicted to continue for several days to come.

Just Hangin out with Ev

This photo is of course me and my BFF Evvy.  I have a camera built in to my Mac, so it's really easy to take self-portraits. I can also change the color, or make pictures look like drawings, or Monet paintings!

Yesterday Ev and I went for a long hike with my sister, Kim, and her BFF, Ringo.  We walked from Stoddard to Granite Lake through the woods.  The snow was nicely packed by snowmobiles, on a trail barely used by them.  Kim saw and owl float through the trees.  I missed it, but found some Moose tracks that were badly melted.  No more recent activity.  No flocks of Turkey, but three or four together(judging from tracks).  The weather was perfect, and we never had to put on our snowshoes.  It took us about two hours to walk over Twin Hill to the old girl's camp on Granite Lake.  Kim is practicing up for a "hut to hut" backpack trip later this spring.  I'm happy to take her on all the trails I know....and that's quite a few.

For the Birds.

Spring is breaking out everywhere, and I'm psyched about that.  The little "Spring Tail" bugs are up and at-em.  The owls and other birds are already looking for mates.  This owl is a Barred Owl, and quite frequent in these parts.  I saw one just yesterday in the woods behind my house. He was only about 25 yds away, and low enough that I could make out his details very well.  I am amazed how silently they glide through the forest without hitting any branches.

I thought I'd seen the last of the "stink machines" this morning, because the trails have become solid ice.  But alas, the die hard "sledders" came roaring down the trail once again.  Their days are numbered now I think.  There are many bare spots, and bridges with no snow on them at all.  Maple sugaring starts right about now too, and will go through the second week or so, of March.  I love the smell of sap boiling.  Just down the road at Great Brook Farm, they'll be firing up the stove and likely serving "sugar on snow".  Can't wait.

Maybe it's spring

I saw one of these LBJs(little brown jobs) in my yard the other day.  They are very difficult to see until they move.  It's a Brown Creeper.  This bird is about the size of a chickadee, with feet like a woodpecker, and stiff tail feathers to keep him from falling over backwards.  He hops from the bottom of trees, upward and around the tree, picking over the bark for bugs.

These days it's beginning to feel more and more like spring is near.  The sun is stronger, warmer somehow.  My birdfeeder is being plundered by bigger creatures.  Activity everywhere.

Last night the moon was spectacular, nearly full(Snow Moon).  I didn't even need a headlamp to walk Evvy.  The fields, covered with snow were so bright against the night sky.

Big Owl, Big Pellets

I wasn't planning on making a post today, but...   I found these extraordinary owl pellets, and couldn't resist.  Actually it was Evvy that found them.  We were at the top of a hill, the wind was "blowing stink".   There were no trees up there, and we were passing through an opening in some fencing.  There on the snow at the bottom of a post, I saw several owl pellets.  It was as though this post was a frequent eating spot for a large owl.  It may have been a Barred, or a Great Horned Owl, or may.....be  a Snowy.  Wouldn't that be cool?!  Whichever owl it was, he was eating creatures that were bigger than mice.  Check out the bone below the pellet to the right.  The left end is an epicondyle of a leg bone.  You can tell because there is a capitulum and a trochlear surface, like on the head of a tibia.  Those surfaces are the articulating surfaces of hinge joints, like your elbows and knees.   The little bone in the picture looks to have been about 1 1/2" long, maybe a rabbit?  what do you think?

I have found owl pellets in the past, but these were by far the largest. 

Where to?

A fresh dusting of snow last night created a sparkling surface.  The sun is shining bright, but it seems even brighter with such a vast blanket of white.  I can't help but stand out in the middle and look all around.  Evvy was oblivious, running, and digging down to the grass beneath, looking for who knows what?  

No snowmobiles out yet this morning, so once again a freshly groomed trail awaits.  Most of my walk was not on the snowmobile trail.  Breaking trail after a good snowfall is a good workout, so today was no disappointment.  I found a dead spider on the snow!  

I'm always looking for the small details in things even in the snow.  I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of the Spring Tails.  Those little bugs have "spring tails" hence their name.  They come out later in winter as the days get longer and warmer.  They tell me that spring isn't far away.

Later next month maple sugaring begins again, can't wait for some sugar on snow.

Queen of the Hill

On my way to the barn, I pass these ladies.  Most every day, there is one cow on top of the snowpile.  I imagine them all playing "queen of the hill", just for fun.  Today I pulled over to watch them.  Rather than continue with their recreation, they all trotted right over to the fence.

The cows are Jerseys, at the Crescent Farm.  In summer all of the cows are moved up to pastures closer to where I live.  

Evvy and I took a brief snowshoe at about 8:00 a.m.  But I tell ya, with a foot of new heavier snow, and over a foot in drifts, I had a hard time.  We did not go very far.  I had not had a nutritious breakfast - chocolate chip cookies, 16 oz. coffee loaded with 1/2 & 1/2, and tons of sugar- doesn't give you much fuel to snowshoe with.   I think next time I'll have to break out the old "Beaver tails".  Those old shoes were my grandfather's.  The good thing about them is their boyuancy in the snow.  The modern shoes are far less so, so you sink quite a way down in the snow.  Gaiters or some kind of shell-type pants are a must in this stuff.   I use ski poles too, because it's really easy to lose your balance on some of the hilly terrain.  I am gravity-challenged anyway so poles are a great equalizer.

A Good Day for Anything

For most of the day, the sun was shining brightly with blue skies.  Despite a prediction for arctic temperatures, it remained in the twenties with a light breeze.  Evvy and I walked three miles on the HHH trail #2 to the NH Corridor Trail #6 on Derry Hill in Walpole.  We were passed by eight snow machines going in both directions, usually two at a time.  Each time a machine approached I had to grab Evvy, because she is inclined to chase snowmobiles and cars.  I'm not crazy about sharing the trail with smelly, noisy snowmobiles but I am thankful to the Hooper Hill Hoppers for maintaining the trails.  When we began, a groomer had been down the trail so it was pristine, virginal even.  But about twenty minutes in, the first machines came through, then a couple more, and a couple more.  The fumes that linger on the trail even minutes after the machines go by, just sicken me. The the second picture is of Evvy tearing down the trail at a full gallop.

Anyway, later from the warmth and comfort of my livingroom I watched as snowmobiles raced up and down the hill across the road from my house.  A sled at the bottom, and one at the top.  The snowmobiles took turns giving people rides to the top so they could then slide down.  This hill is famous among locals as a favorite sliding hill.  This year hasn't seen the numbers of past weekends, but there were seven or eight people out there today.  I've seen upwards of twenty before.  The hill is steep and fast, a real blast!

Is that YOUR breath? or MY boots?

Barely zero degrees this morning as Evvy and I headed to the barn.  The sun was shining though, a kind of icy warmth if that's possible.  At least the wind wasn't blowing.   Layering is so important on days like this.  I choose wool, fleece, and silk as my layers from head to toe.  Just toasty.  Unfortunately no matter what I put on my feet, they freeze.   So I keep moving.

Betty, Rosey and Angel have developed a bad habit of chewing on the wood fence rails at the farm.

I think it's because Betty and Rosey are at odds with each other.  The only rails gnawed, are the rails that separate Betty from Rosey and Angel.  Betty and Rosey can't be together while Angel, the foal is present.  Rosey will fight with Betty, in an effort to keep Betty away.  An interesting dynamic.   My friend and I put coated chicken wire up over the rails to dissuade the horses from gnawing.  When I got to the farm this morning I saw that some of the chicken wire had been peeled off.  So I put it back up, knowing the girls would probably turn around and peel it once more.   After turning out, feeding, and mucking the stalls, I brought Evvy out.  I keep her in the truck while I work, to avoid injury to her, and stress to the horses.

Evvy is always on leash while we're at the farm.  We walk down and around the "compoun"(that's really what it is).  Evvy pulled incessantly to try and get under the fence and visit the horses.  I had to rein her in all the time.  Evvy just wants to play, but I fear she might get kicked if I let her go.  Another thing Evvy likes to do is, dig.  She dug her way through the snow, all the way to the soil below.  Half her body disappears into the hole, as she digs her way to China.  Sometimes Evvy emerges from the holes with items in her mouth.

We finished our walk, and got back into the toasty truck. There's that smell!  I didn't think I had carried any manure on my boots.  I looked over at Evvy, quietly munching on one of her fav snacks!  YUCK!  How do they do that?  Why do they do that?!  Being the dog-mom I've become, I reached right over there and yanked the frozen treat from Evvy's mouth.  I rolled down my window and tossed it outside.  I wondered how long Evvy's breath would wreak of horseskatoodles.  It might be a good time for a "Greenie", those dog treats that freshen breath.

BTW the photo reminds us that Spring will come, only a few months away!

Sunny-16 Day

It was a "sunny-16" day! Which means if you set the f-stop on your camera to f16, the photo comes out perfect.  There wasn't a cloud in the sky, and temperatures lingered at 20F.  We had a pretty hefty load of snow early this morning.  I think there is about 8-9" of new powder.  

I decided that today's snowshoe would be up to the "High Blue" overlook.  I drove up to Scovill Rd. near the radio tower.  You can make this hike from my house but with all the snow, and likely no broken trail, it would have taken me a couple hours one way.  So I parked on Scovill Rd. and walked in via a logging road.  It looked as though maybe someone had attemtped to snowmobile through there a while ago. No one had been through since the new snowfall.  Evvy bounded and rooted through the new fluff.  The view at High Blue was spectacular!  (double click on the photo for a better look) You could see forever, to the west(Vermont).  All the big ski mountains were visible, Okemo, Stratton, Snow.  I could only imagine the perfect ski conditions.  I don't ski much anymore because of arthritic knees. I can do only about 2-3 hours of schussing.  A half-day ticket is just the right amount of time.

After poking around the High Blue we made our way northward through the conservation land, back across the logging road and up to another summit.  The radio tower was to the west, and my destination was a large flat spot of granite where I had seen a Moose once before.   No sign of moose or deer, or anything but maybe a snowshoe hare.  I saw a Pileated Woodpecker which is always a nice surprise.   We made a big sweeping loop westward, and back to the logging road where we met another lady and her Burmese Mtn. dog, "Maggie".  Maggie wasn't all that psyched to see Evvy.  Evvy just wants to play with every dog she meets.   Maggie and her mistress had been following our trail up until we crossed the logging road to moose territory.

They basically headed us off at the pass.  We all walked back out to Scovill Rd, where we met yet another lady and her big Chocolate Lab, "Sebastian".   Evvy wanted to play with him too, and he wasn't phased at all.  So after all the dogs had enough of sniffing their various ends, I collected Evvy and sent her back into the truck.  Another successful snowshoe hike.

Evvy and I headed out at about 8:00 a.m. this morning. I wore my snowshoes, as she bounded through the snow. Sometimes she could walk on top of the crust, other times, she would break through. Our hike was three hours, of mostly unbroken snow up Derry Hill to the north of my house.  I was hopeful I'd see some good wildlife sign, and I wasn't disappointed. In fact, I found Snowshoe Hare tracks finally.   I have looked on Sheep Hill which is up behind my house.  I found nothing.  The hare on Derry Hill scampered from hemlock to hemlock, hiding from watchful owls.  The Snowshoe Hare is white in winter, so he's very difficult to see.  Today was no different.  Though the tracks looked fresh, I couldn't spot the hare, and wouldn't unless he moved.

There were many Deer trails, Fox, Coyote, Turkey, and Mink(less so).  Not a soul had been walking on this particular trail, it was great. If you look closely at the photo with the yellow sign, you'll see the sign says, "Dang".  Someone had blocked out the "er".  Actually years ago, before I moved here, this must have been an active snowmobile trail.  Years and many downed trees later, the trail markers are still out there, but no snowmobiles are allowed now.   It's just as well, I love the peace and quiet here.  At the end of this trail, we reached an active snowmobile trail.  The Hooper Hill Hopper snowmobile club maintains the trails around here. The trail runs west-east and is part of the NH Snowmobile trail system. It's Rte 6, which has several local trails running off to the south and north.  

I was glad to be on the maintained trail after breaking trail for the last couple hours.  Evvy seemed glad too, as she raced up ahead of me.  Evvy always goes just so far, then she stops to look back, making sure I'm still there.  If I have stopped, she races right back to me.  I always have a treat waiting.  The treat is my insurance she will return.  For now, she has not been distracted enough to keep her from returning.  I always put her back on lead as we approach a road, snowmobiles, or other people.  

We were both exhausted by the time we got home.  Evvy was sacked out on the futon for the rest of the day.  Her nap gave the cats an opportunity to come out from hiding.

Ringo and Evvy

Here are Ringo(my sister's dog) and Evvy enjoying their "Bully sticks", giving ME a break.  I have Ringo through the holidays.  When the two dogs are together, not chewing, all havoc breaks loose.  They are much like children, and require constant supervision.  The wrinkles are being ironed out, as I learn to keep them busy.  Soda has been spilled, cats have been chased, bedlam has befallen my house.  But it is a pleasure to have them both here.  We go out first thing in the morning, well after they eat. Sometimes we go before light, for the morning walk.   We return somewhat less energetic, and settle down for a good chew.  Then depending on where I have to go, they are relegated to their crates.  When I return in the evening, they eat, and we do the evening walk.  Evvy doesn't let up on Ringo for a second, always chasing him.  Try as he may to enjoy a roll in the snow, or a swim in the brook, Evvy is right there to bug him.  It's kind of funny because the tables have been turned on Ringo, who is usually the antagonist with the Rumrill cats, and mine for that matter.  But Ringo has his paws full with my little Ev.

The snow  has melted alot the last couple days, and I'm thankful!  I have more choices for places to walk the dogs.  And frankly, my back has had enough of the shovelling!  I really have enjoyed the warm, spring-like air in the evening.  It's so fresh and clean smelling(that was corny! but true).

Now that the Christmas holiday is over, we can all get back to the more normal pace hopefully. On Christmas eve at about 4:00 a.m. a great wind blew and knocked a white pine down in my yard.  My power and phone lines were taken down.   Several appliances in my house were fried! The fire department came to make sure my house wouldn't burn down.  I had shut the main breaker off quickly, as I smelled electrical burning.   My power was restored six hours later, and I got my phone back Sunday morning.   I kept myself  busy running the chainsaw, and cutting up that pine.   It was hard work, but satisfying to know that I could do this.   I was thankful that my house didn't catch on fire.  Despite the mini-trial, I did have a very nice Christmas.  I traveled to Chesterfield to spend Christmas with my family.+

This last Sunday I was reminded that Christmas continues for twelve days starting on the 25th of December.  I really wish we could all spend more time thinking about the true meaning of the holiday, and less about all the things we receive on the 25th.  Thinking about the birth of Christ and the days that follow is grounding to me.

Happy Hopeful New Year!

Enough snow already!

There's well over two feet of fluffy snow in my yard.  I'm pretty sure we don't need any more for a bit.  Yet it hasn't stopped snowing as of 9:00 p.m.  I found a bright spot amidst the gray, white and black of winter.  My Christmas Cacti are all blooming this beautiful fuschia color.   

Meet Evelyn "Evvy" Crabtree

I found this lovely furry friend at the Humane Society, where else?!  She is a "transport dog".  In other words, she was transported to New Hampshire from Virginia with many other beautiful dogs.  Evvy looks to be most Lab, with some hound mixed in.  We're learning about housetraining at the moment  :-(   That is priority number ONE!!!  She has been used to just pee'ing and poo'ing on the floor at the shelter where it's ok.  It's NOT okay here, so needless to say we go out into the frightful weather.....alot!   Evvy keeps me on my toes.

Last night, we got a foot of snow so I was busy this morning, shoveling around vehicles, and raking the roof.  I took Evvy for a long walk into the fields.  She loves to bound, and root in the snow.   She especially likes to pull up cornstalks(what's left of them) and run around.  

The snow is still falling with another foot expected tomorrow.  Meanwhile many people are still suffering through no electricity at their homes.  There are shelters everywhere, with folks reduced to living in the space of a cot among many.  If this continued bad weather is an indication of how winter will be, it's shaping up to be a long cold, and snowy season.  Makes me wish I had a snowmoibile!  If I have to be surrounded by snow, why not have a blast in it?

Christmas Is Only a week away?!

With so many other things going on, it's hard to believe Christmas is next Thursday!  Last weekend we had an horrific ice storm that has left many without power even now.  In talking with many people,  I have learned how far-reaching the damage goes.  People have had to pack up, and leave their homes.  At the Humane Society, we have taken several dogs and cats into "emergency boarding" because their owners can't take their pets to shelters, or relative's homes.   I heard about one man who lost all his tropical fish because the fish tank got so cold!  I was called to care for some horses because their owner couldn't get back up to Walpole.  I didn't survive unscathed either.  My sump pump, powerless, could not remove water that would ordinarily be no problem.

      I awoke early Friday morning, to the shrill alarm of water in the basement.  From that point on, I was running my generator, making frequent trips to Bellows Falls, VT for gas.   Finally the power came back on at noon on Saturday.  But many, many more are still without power.  Some people have no other heat source either, so they must go to local shelters or relative's homes. When the power does come back on for these people, they risk bursting water pipes!  It's just aweful.  I am left to wonder what kind of winter we are entering?   As I write this, snow is falling.  I had to shovel for the first time this winter.  It is beautiful despite all the hardship we have endured so far.

Heaven Sent Me an Angel

My very first barn mucking customers; Rosie, Angel(the foal), and Betty.  All are Morgan crosses, taller than most Morgans.   All three ladies are likable, and friendly.  Little Angel followed me all around under the watchful eye  of her mother, Rosie.   It's so great to be in the company of horses again.  I love their spirits, and even their fragrance!

It seems to me, my place is definitely around animals of all shapes and sizes.  Back at the Humane Society, my charges this week; two little Bichon Frise, Riley and Sophie, and a rather portly Chocolate Lab named Burdie.  I have somehow come to naturally establish a rapport with any dog that comes through boarding.  Even those that frighten other staff members, take to me, and I'm so thankful for that gift.  It's like me and the furry creatures are tuned in to each other.  I find that unspoken  connection so comforting.

Thankful Thanksgiving

I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving with plenty of goodies, and pleasant conversation.  Thanksgiving for my family was at my house this year.   Of course the turkey was the guest of honor, with colorful side dishes surrounding her.   After the meal we all went for a great hike on one of my favorite routes.  We visited the cabin I've blogged about in the past.    Unfortunately my niece and nephew missed because they decided to stay back at the house, watching TV!   

Anyway the rest of us enjoyed the simple pleasures of the crisp Novemeber day.  The magic of the woods, and just being together.

This photo is of my cats(Merle, Casey, and Twyla).  I had let them sleep on my bed with me the night before.  I rarely do.  I got out of bed, and THEY slept in.

Think it's cold here?

If you think it's cold here, imagine being at the top of Mt. Washington!  Yikes, it's -7 degrees F, with a windchill of -41!  I can not imagine even venturing out to the observation deck today.  

Here in Walpole it's not even 20 F.  I think if it's going to be this cold so early in the season, we should have snow too.  What do you think?

I took this picture up on Derry Hill, in Walpole the other day. I was out hunting when I cam across this large Beech tree.  I could envision that bear hugging the tree as he climbed up.  I found a couple of recent piles of bear skat nearby.  Though these scratches are not new, I know there are a number of Black Bear in this area.   If they haven't gone to sleep for the winter already, they will very soon.

As for my luck hunting, well I have had none.  While I'm out there sitting beneath the pines, my ears play tricks on me.  The wind, the squirrels, and chipmunks all make me question what I'm hearing.  It seems the deer are just beyond where I can see.  They are very tricky.  Because I can't sit still for long because of the cold, I try to sneak up on the sounds.  When I get to where I think the sound came from, I either find recent skat, or no sign of anything at all.

Yesterday I decided to just go for a hike, not hunting.  I found yet another tree stand where I'd never seen one.  This stand had to be at 20' off the ground in an Oak tree.  It was very old, and had raccoon skat on it.  It was constructed of wood, that had been overcome by moss.  The ladder was hand made with metal scraps that were welded together.  The stand must have been nice at one time.  Not safe now though.