Finally!
After so many days of being stuck indoors. I grabbed Charlie and we went on an adventure of sorts.
We went wilding. Not a savage thing, an untamed sort of hike. Through the brush, brambles, burrs, prickly ash, and multiflora rose. Charlie is 7 inches tall so he has it easy, he can walk under most of the brush. I have to bust through it.
Years ago, Mike was the owner of the land. His cattle kept the forest clean and made nice trails. Since his death in 2005, his brothers have abandoned the land except for the deer hunting season. They lease out the farm land and lease out sections of the forest for a few trophy hunters to bow hunt deer and hunt turkeys.
The land has regrown in many places to invasive underbrush. I still get around on deer trails and always wear heavy coveralls to get through some of the rough stuff.
Its getting harder to get to the special places I do like. Oddly enough, I don't even think Mike's brothers know of these cool spots. I like my secrets. I've walked and ridden this land for 30 years. I know the trees, the creek's secrets, and cool rock formations.
Charlie and I did get to our favorite spot in the creek though.
I had quite the surprise. I was following coyote tracks along the creek bottom and found this.... ----->
I swear that it looks like a coyote slipped and 'biffed' it. Doesn't it look like the back legs spread eagle as its chest hit the ice and it scrambled back to its feet?
It is very possible that this did not happen at all. But I'd like to imagine that it did.
Charlie sniffed the tracks and then walked to the edge of the ice. He knows better than to go off the edge. The water in that spot is over his head.
Another surprise met us at this spot in the creek.
An Ice Fall.
Closer..
The color in the ice is from the reddish sandstone in this area and the dirt. The moisture seeps out over the rock wall [which is warmer from being underground]. It hits the frigid air and makes these beautiful ice formations.
Another shot of a different section.
I can't help it, but this absolutely fascinates me. I run my hand over the ice ripples and marvel at nature's art.
I mean who doesn't love this? I love this. I can't wait for cold weather to see this phenomenon.
The creek is the main lifeblood of this forest and it is evident by all the animal tracks that can be found there.
In this section we found a nice set of coyote tracks.
If anyone is worried about Charlie. Don't fear! He sticks to me like glue when he smells these guys.
If all goes according to plan, I plan to look for some more ice falls in another place soon. If the temps stay below freezing ice falls will develop. I sure hope they will!
Oh winter, how I love you!
That ice fall is very cool! I hope you find more as you trek about.
ReplyDeleteI embrace winter too. There is so much to explore and all of it exciting. I could do without winter driving, however.
ReplyDeleteI am a fan of winter, too. Minnehaha Falls in Minneapolis freezes in the winter. It's amazing to see. You do live where it's beautifully rugged and natural. You found your place in this life.
ReplyDeleteThat is amazing, for 30 years! We had our cottage for 50 years. I still dream about it.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed your trek. I'd agree about the coyote slippage..
At the moment, I feel so cold! Don't have it in me to do what you do. Lori
ReplyDeleteYou had a fun day!! Good for you! You appreciate every little thing out there in the woods!
ReplyDeleteThank you for taking us along on this amazing winter hike! I like to think that coyote lost it too!
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