Snow

            A light dusting of snow within the mountain’s shadows gives us the opportunity to get a glimpse of nature that we otherwise would never have.  We can follow the tracks of the forest critters as they move about leaving their footprints in the snow. We can see where they go and if any predator may be following them.

            Tiny field mice and little wrens leave small y’s while crows’, grackles and others leave largeY’s

            Rabbits leave three footprints rather than four because their back feet land in the same spot and so you have what appear to be three prints. Mountain lions leave fist sized prints while bears leave prints the size of dinner plates. Deer tracks are just holes in the snow.

Following along these tracks is always fun and gives you some insight as to what goes on within the mountain shadows.

It generally is a good idea as you are walking along to keep an eye open for a tree you can climb in an emergency.  You don’t have to worry about bears too much for they are deep in their burrows sleeping this time of the year and climbing a tree won’t deter a bear anyhow for they can climb trees faster than any human.  The same is true for mountain lions however, they are about the shyest of all the forest creatures and a loud shout is often enough to cause one to turn and run off.  Wild pigs are another problem altogether.  They will eat anything including you if they can knock you down on the ground so a tree to climb is a real good thing to be near.  If a wild boar finds your tracks he will actually hunt you down and they are afraid of nothing so a tree that you can climb is necessary. A skunk might come wobbling by but just step aside and let him pass for he will ignore you completely.  He prefers crickets, worms and other things that crawl on the ground.

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