ice

Chaya and i were intent upon leaving town today - getting lost in the woods on the twisty, rocky forest trails. Unfortunately, upon entering we quickly encountered ice. Sheets of ice, inches thick covering the gravel covered fire roads. As we ascended up bear meadows, the tire tracks providing some traction turned to a smooth shimmery icy surface. A full day of rain had smoothed over the ice resulting in a dangerously slick road. Before we knew it, the forester was sideways in the middle of the road. (see right)

lesson learned: all wheel drive doesn't mean a damn thing on ice! ok, so i did know this.

The trails were similarly icy so i decided it wasn't worth trying to drive any further. Slowly and cautiously, we turned around (after all, we already were half way around in the road) and made our way back to sound pavement. What a bummer! i've been craving forest time lately. been tense and feeling uneasy. Unfortunately, today was not the day.

We headed out 45 only to discover that it was not only Christmas, but also... red tailed hawk day! they were everywhere. kiting in the sky, seeking out food. (See below, his face is a bit squat compared to most redtails so i'm not 100% on the ID). This day was quickly looking up! We chased some for a while, watching them hunt, and taking pictures.

I was considering Scotia when i remembered Musser Gap just down the road. This trail always reminds me of G, chaya and pepper splashing around in the mud along the power line! We set out for hike #2 up the gap. The trail was similarly icy however, the car was easily left in the (not so ice, phew!) lot.

It was beautiful there. Ferns, evergreen and deeply contrasting against the icy snow!

it's always summer in the life of a labrador. must be nice. the trail was slick. I skated my way up and down. Chaya wiped out many times.

I'm coming mom!

D'oh! all wheel drive, low center of balance AND those little toenails didn't provide sufficient traction on the icey trail today.


beauty in the details...

today was warmer and sunny thus melting was in full effect. snow / ice melt was running down the trail under cutting the ice (see below). In some spots feet would fall through into a muddy wet mess of leaves. The ice above formed beautiful crystallized patterns (below).

more details from the trail.


While it didn't start out as planned, the day turned out alright. the woods, beautiful as ever. Although i have a feeling the fire roads will be out of commission for a long while given the ice there today.