What a peaceful day I had, from the moment my toes hit the floor until now, 7:19 Eastern Standard time. After relaxing and knocking some things off of my self imposed list, I was all pumped up to get into the woods. I headed off in this direction, ducking under Old Glory as I was in my glory. I returned three hours later with an even greater appreciation for this glorious day, and how it was unfolding.
Earlier this morning I sat in the darkness on the front porch, waiting for daybreak. Already enjoying the peacefulness that one is allowed by rising before the sun, I pondered how I would spend my time on this clear brisk day.
The early morning temperature was 24 degrees Fahrenheit. I knew it was going to warm up some, later on in the day as the sun crept its way over the ridge line. The weathermen were calling for temperatures into the mid-thirties. I know, weathermen are the only dudes that can give a 50% chance of this happening, or a 50% chance of that happening, and be looked at like they're a genius.
While making my way up to the top plantation of Black Walnut trees, the day was only getting better. Having taken care of some business earlier that morning, I was headed into the woods by 1:00 o'clock. The temp had risen to a balmy 33 degrees.
When new snow has fallen, or warmer temperatures and rain have once again erased any signs of life, a fresh set of prints are not far behind. Signs of life, other than our own footprint, is a stark reminder that we share this earth with other creatures. It evokes a sense of responsibility in me.
From the smallest of creatures, in this case moles, they leave behind traces of their existence.
Their will to live is stronger than the elements. Despite being blind, these minute creatures thrive.
The elusive White Tail deer lets us know of their presence, leaving behind a sure sign that they have been foraging in the area.
This picture of these splendid creatures was not captured on this walk. It is a picture that I snapped about a year ago.
Though they may be seen moving about in daylight hours, North American white-tailed deer are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during twilight periods before sunset and after dawn. But when the ground is covered in snow, you are more likely to spot them during the day.
These tracks had me stumped.
The distance between each set of prints had to be at least 4 feet. With the snow not being disturbed between the prints, it made me think a rabbit had departed its borough and was out exploring.
But, I'm not convinced that these are the footprints of a rabbit, they look too large.
After spending some time aimlessly walking around this area of the farm, I headed down the road, making my way to the pond.
I had re-figured the spillway, and I wanted to see how it was handling the snow that had been melting for the past several days.
The surface runoff along with a natural spring keep the pond full for most of the year.
When the big thaw comes in early spring, the spillway needs to be able to handle a lot of water.
Satisfied that my upgrade to the spillway was working very nicely, I started my trek around this perfect little body of water. Several yards from the spillway I noticed some rather large tracks.
At first I thought they may be dog tracks, but quickly realized that was not the case.
These were the footprints of some other creature.
A dog's tracks are found in pairs with the print of their paws being side by side.
These impressions were left by an animal walking with one foot directly placed in front of the other. Not at all like the prints a dog would leave.
As I continued to explore, the tracks abruptly disappeared as though the creature had flown off.
About 25 yards from the original set of prints, they appeared again. A slight imprint could be seen at the edge of the frozen water. The critter had walked out onto the ice, and again made its way back to the bank of the pond leaving another set of mysterious prints.
Could these be the tracks of a Fisher Cat. Recently I posted a blog about the Fisher Cat, which can found in this region. Here is the link to that post.
Before viewing, I just want to let you know that some of the pictures are gruesome, and may not be to your liking, but this is a way of life in this rural area I call home.
https://steemit.com/homesteading/@thebigsweed/finally-some-pictures-of-the-elusive-fisher-cat
I had been gone for several hours, and by now I was getting a little cold and hungry. It was time to start making my way back to the house.
#farm-mom had kept the wood stove roaring while I was off on my adventure, enjoying the solitude these few hours had provided. Life is all good, and getting better with every passing day.
What a great way to clear one's head of all of the stuff that liters our mind.
Not only was the fire roaring, my beautiful bride had been busy in the kitchen, YES.
If you have access to the forest, what the heck are you waiting for, get out and explore, and give your soul some peace.
Hope you enjoyed!
