Happy New Year!

From one little bird to another.....

American Goldfinch and House Finch

House Finch

Western Scrub Jay

Western Scrub Jay

Red Breasted Nuthatch

Here's wishing all my friends a Happy New Year!

  Looking forward to 2013 in My Mountain Green!

Anybody Home?

As I snowshoe along one of the North Fork Park trails, meandering along a ridge high above the creek below, I venture upon this humble abode in a Gambel Oak (aka scrub oak). I hear chickadees and squirrels chatter in full alert all around me, none to happy about my presence; yet, whoever lives here did not even look to see what was causing all the commotion. Maybe they were out enjoying this beautiful winter's day!

Tranquil Trekking

Beautiful day to be alone in my thoughts!

After an hours hike from my house in Mountain Green, Utah, I turn to take in the view. Amazing, isn't it? I am facing South East looking over Morgan Valley. Not a sound could be heard nor did I see any moose, deer or fox. While there were many prints in the snow, mine were the only human ones.

Christmas Day Hike

Christmas Day 2010 - I woke up to sunshine which is a welcome respite to the week of low clouds and snowy weather. Today I get to try out my Christmas present - new snow shoes! I have never snowshoed before, so I decide to take a short hike up to the ridgeline behind my house. The temp is in the low 30's, so layering up against the cold seemed like a good idea. So after putting on a full set of "snugglies", I add jeans, turtleneck, fleece pullover and a fleece vest in addition to my new winter gloves. I sat out on the back step and fitted the snowshoes over my winter boots. Clumsily took a few steps on the snow-covered deck and exclaimed this will be interesting. So off I head, the trailhead is between my and my neighbors house. A deer had been in the yard earlier this morning, so I followed its' tracks down to the trailhead.

Wow, walking in snowshoes takes a little getting used too. Do I walk with one foot in front of the other, side by side like a bow-legged cowboy or what?After a few steps, things seem to come together naturally. So I headed up, stopping every now and then to catch my breath and marveling at the beauty of the mountains and snow. I am loving it! The sunshine, fresh air, cool temps, snow and breathtaking views! As I continue up to the ridgeline and look out over the canyon, all I could think was "look at all those trails I can now explore!" and "man, I am hot!" Not HOT, but hot -- so one layer and the gloves get peeled off!

As I reached the top, I look over to the East towards Morgan, UT. The Morgan Valley is beautiful, glistening in snow. As I take a deep breath, I can hear the train coming though the canyon. What a great way to spend a Christmas afternoon, enjoying the beauty of God's creation!

After a few minutes of reflection, I begin the decent down. Going up is easier than down in snowshoes! I was glad that I had hiking poles with me. Yet, I soon figured out to just let the snow shoes do what they do best and took my time. Loving every moment, with a smile across my face, I think "why hadn't I got snowshoes earlier!"

So after an invigorating snowshoe hike, what better to enjoy than a cold beer. Perfect end to a perfect adventure.

Hope you enjoyed my little adventure in My Mountain Green.