Beeee still my beating heart!

 

It was a balmy 20-ish degree F day or a -5ish C day so my Assistant thought we should go snowshoeing at the Reserve. Last week I slugged through the snow, so I decided to use the snowshoes once more. After all, it went so well the day before.

We had parked in a lot near the maintenance shed for the Kickapoo Valley Reserve to get on the trail head.

Charlie and I were trucking along, he was fresh and bouncy and stuck to the tracks someone made while x-country skiing. I broke trail off to the side. 

I heard machinery behind us and looked back. There was a 4 wheeler coming our way. I was a bit confused. In the winter the trail we were on is part of a snowmobile trail and in the summer, they mow through the prairie grasses. However, there is no motorized vehicles allowed at all on these trails.

The 4 wheeler had tracks on it instead of wheels and as the 4 wheeled gizmo pulled up to a stop, I recognized the smile on the dude. This time he wasn't in the Police Truck nor was he in uniform. 

"Hello Jesse," I said when Charlie ran up to him and tried to jump up on the 4 wheeler to hitch a ride. "How are you today?" 

"I'm good! How are you?" He motioned to the 4 wheeler and said, "I just finished putting snow tracks on this 4 wheeler for the winter and thought I'd try them out."

For a moment I was dumbstruck. 

"Wow, that looks like a fun transformation. I'll trade you for my 17 year old 4 wheeler at home." 

He laughed. And then we both stood quietly listening to the light breeze in the trees. 

"Gosh I love that sound," he said.

"Nothing like it," I agreed. "If I could be out in this 24 hrs a day, I would."

He nodded and then gestured towards my snowshoes. "I didn't think we had deep enough snow for those yet."

"Ahhh, we do. I have over 6 inches at home and had a blast yesterday snowshoeing through my woods. I thought the ice crust and the heavy snow would be perfect for snowshoeing along the trails today."

"So it is going good then?" 

[Oh that grin and smile. AND no, I couldn't see the color of his eyes because he had some rather cool shades on and I regretted not having cool shades on myself]

"Yes it is, I'm going to take a peek at the ice caves over the hill today. I intend to cover about 4 miles of hiking. It's a good day for it. Saturday will be awful."

He nodded and we both fell silent and watched Charlie who was trying to figure out how to climb up on the 4 wheeler for a ride. I walked over and picked him up. 

"Okay then. Have a great hike, " he said and started up his snow machine. 

I waved and turned to go with Charlie under my arm. 

I heard him head back down the trail and I started grinning like an idiot. "Charlie, Charlie, was that a coincidence? It had to be. Dang, he is still quite handsome." 

I laughed out loud and thought of how I'd have told Rich about this. Rich would just laugh and remind me that HE was the absolute best-est handsome-ist man I'd ever met. And I would agree with all my heart.

I did note on the card that he'd given me last Friday that he was a Land Manager and Police Officer for the Reserve. That made sense. Still. I felt a bit girlish and atwitter. 
Maybe it was just nice that he recognized me from last week and that he thought he'd better check on that crazy -a$$ed old lady and her dog that liked to wander the Reserve in the winter.

I tossed tall dark and handsome out of my head and continued on my trek.

I walked for a mile into the woods looking for the blue tags that used to mark the 'winter trail' to The Valley of Ice. But those are no longer in existence. The previous management had markers on trees to guide people to find the ice caves aka rock shelters.

I'd been there often enough that I knew how to come through the forest right on top of cave #1. So we backtracked to the old Cedar tree and headed down the steep hill. I paused for a bit as I watched a coyote run out of the shelter and head towards the river.

I'm always mindful that I am hiking in wild animal habitat. I wasn't afraid. I just carefully picked my way down to where I could peer into Number One. This is the same cave/shelter that I met my good friend Jason the Geologist on a New Years Eve of 2021.

I didn't see any evidence of the coyote making a den in there, but there was an ice curtain forming.

I went back up to the very old equine trail above the cave and followed it around to cave #2. I peered down and decided not to climb over all the downed trees this trip. I skipped cave #3. It isn't well known and isn't on the map. 

We weren't worn out or even cold at this point so we went past the maintenance shed and hiked down to Bridge 18 which is a covered bridge over the river.

I'd wanted to get a 'snow' shot of the hand-hewn bench with the covered bridge behind it. 

It is now the cover of my blogger header.

We went up on the bridge and checked the views of the river. 

I am just a curious person. I love to watch the river as it changes through the winter months. I like to see how different the forest looks in the stark landscape compared to the lush greens of summer.

I probably take shots of this area every time I hike or bike through it.

Charlie and I found a nice dry spot out of the light breeze to sit and have snacks. He had dog treats, I had an energy bar.

The temps were dropping as we hiked back up to the ridge and to the parking area. It was a good day. 

Land of snow and ice and whatnot

The other day we had a little bit of snow, just enough to cover moss and areas of grasses. Charlie and I took a quick morning walk to double check the gates to make sure that the deer didn't knock them down.

I stopped and sat in the snow to take some shots of snow crystals and moss in the bright sunlight.

I found some more beautiful lichen on an oak branch. It was a challenge to get the shot as the branch was swaying in the wind. Challenges are fun though.

This shot of Yarrow was even harder. I had one still shot and tried again when a gust of wind blew it around. I combined the photos for fun. 

The fences were all intact and the gates were still up.

Black Friday was spent getting ready for the large snowstorm that was being predicted. I ordered some things on line so I wouldn't have to fight crowds. When I picked up my order, I realized I needed a couple of other things and had to go in the store.

It was only 8:30 and the place was dead as a doornail. Associates were standing around all over the store. I was surprised, although I have never set foot in a store on a Black Friday. I suppose things have changed so much with online ordering.

I grabbed my items and was on my way home. The weather service put out a Winter Storm Warning for most of the state, so I asked my youngest son to reschedule a visit. No use in having them get stuck here for days.

The storm came in quietly early this morning and has been piling up. I don't know what it is like up on the ridge, but it is rather peaceful here. The birds are enjoying  the feeders and I am enjoying the quiet while watching them.

Chores weren't bad at all. I used the large sled to haul the hay to the mules.  I give the sled a shove with its pile of hay and the mules part ways so it can slide past them. I go in and dump the pile. Since these three get along so well, I don't have to put hay in separate areas anymore.

Everyone is wearing a snow coat. Little Richard thought he check to see if I had brought his sweet feed.

This pony is in his mid thirties and still has quite a bit of energy. He is the only equine I have that will go indoors. I'll probably put him in tonight when the winds start up and the temps drop.

Everyone has plenty of hay and heated water. This morning they were giving themselves snow baths. 

We are pleased not to have to travel today.

The snow will fall, we'll watch the birds, and take short walks to check on things.

Here is to enjoying a peaceful winter storm day.
 

Myrick Park - LaCrosse

I haven't been back to Myrick Park in over 10 years. The last time I was there was probably 2010. So I decided to make the short trip from the Craft Store to the City Park.

One would not think of a marsh land park in a city as a place that would be popular. But Myrick Park is extremely popular for the students of the University of LaCrosse to take walks in and for members of the public to have picnics in.

On any day the park is busy with moms and kids, business folks having lunch, students and teachers taking a walk, or the general public bicycling on trails. 

The LaCrosse River Marsh offers so much in nature to see. Birds, plants, and wildlife. On my walk I saw Herons, Muskrats, Turtles, Frogs, Snakes, Squirrels, and Raccoons. I did get a shot of the Heron when I stopped to talk with a nature photographer. I didn't bring a long lens, but I did grab a shot of him/her.

The photographer, George, was relatively new to the area but was enjoying photographing the marsh's diverse wildlife. He had a HUUUMONGOUS Monster lens that needed a tripod to sturdy it. I thought about lens envy but that left my mind quickly. I didn't want to carry anything that cumbersome.

We chatted a while and then I continued on my walk. The only irritating part of the walk was those who had speedy E-bikes that were racing up and down the main trail. I felt like I had to watch for traffic.

I turned off the main paved trail to walk out to a viewpoint. I did not have a huge zoom lens, so I missed the turtles way out on logs and of course, the muskrat sitting on a stump.

I did however get a shot of a squirrel. I know, not exciting. But hey, it was wildlife.

It is interesting to note that the marsh has a gas pipeline and other utilities running through it. I don't think it really affected the beauty of the Marsh at all. I found the power lines to be a reminder that we were in the middle of a city.

Infrared Photo

 I'd brought my IR camera along as I knew there would be great elements for infrared. Sky, water, trees, foliage, and green pond scum.

I wanted to get to the floating docks to look out over the Marsh to the east where the bluffs rise above the Marsh towards Grand Dads Bluff [another must see in LaCrosse]. 

But I had to stop and admire this giant Cottonwood. It is one of the biggest trees I've ever seen.

There are several Memorial Benches in the area and a few that are arranged in a circle to look out between the willow trees to the west.

Below is an Infrared Image I took standing at the base of the tree looking upwards.

It was at this tree that I met a father and son on little E bikes that were more like little electric motorcycles. The kid nearly ran into me as he was very wobbly. The dad stopped and we talked about the tree. He had a milk crate on the back of his bike thing. He picked up his mini collie and put him in the crate before they took off again.

I decided to be polite and keep my opinion about his wobbly kid running into pedestrians. Basically, I think some of these E bikes are totally out of control. Too much speed for a bike - walking trail.

I made it to the floating docks and looked out over the Marsh to Highway 16 which I'd just taken to get to the Marsh. Far in the distance a train had stopped on the tracks. I could hear the traffic noise in the distance over the calm waters. When the train started up again, you could hear the couplings of each train car clack clack as they engaged.

The train with the bluffs behind it.

The other end of the trail loop was closed for repair works, so I backtracked the same way I'd come. I stopped once more to ask George if he found any more interesting wildlife. He told me what he had seen and we parted ways.

The following is copied from the Myrick Park website. I know I will be going back with my BIG lens to look for wildlife and migrating birds in the spring. I'll probably go back in the winter to admire the stark marsh landscape when it is frozen.

Myrick Park was one of the earliest known parks in the City of La Crosse. This large park is a place for both relaxation and play. It features the Kid’s Coulee play area, beautiful shelters, and lets you see nature up close if you choose to hike on the marsh trails. The La Crosse River Marsh borders Myrick Park and is an excellent example of a riparian (river) wetland. Marshes usually have a greater variety of plants and animals than do grasslands or forests, and are essential for drought and flood control. The Marsh is 1,077 acres and is included in the Mississippi River Floodplain. Trails through the Marsh are accessible from Myrick Park.

Places less traveled ...

Below, Charlie stands in a wide expanse of Wild Ramps aka Leeks in the forest.

The location of this place won't be shared at all. I wouldn't want JohnQPublic coming in and digging them to sell. 

These plants take 5 to 7 years to mature from seed so they are slow growing. I have some in my forest and I generally just leave them alone. Their beautiful green provides me with joy. I may dig up one or two for an addition to a meal, but rarely any more than that.

They do actually flower and have seeds. In the fall animals walk through the area knocking the spindles of seeds which spreads the plants.

The hillsides were covered in them! In a few weeks the plants will disappear under the forest brush and they will be hidden from prying eyes.

I took a back trail along the river. I came upon some Canada Geese and their new little family. 

These geese were neat to watch ... the river was swift here and I was sure hoping all turned out okay for them in the end.

22 seconds of cuteness!

I assume they made it safely to wherever they were headed.

Below, my fearless leader. Since he has hiked with me since he was 10 weeks old, he knows the trails I take as well as I do. He bounds forward and turns to wait. At a junction he sometimes makes a choice and sometimes I follow his choice.

I finally did get a decent shot at a Red Wind Blackbird. There were several of them hanging out by the pond where I'd met the other photographer. I backtracked on the less muddy trails to the parking area.

I got home and the boys were having a good time chatting and solving all the world problems. I must give it to Jason, he can talk about anything to anyone and he does have a lot of experience and knowledge.

I'll leave you with a couple of shots that are a bit artsy. I have a Lensbaby lens and it has taken a lot of practice to work with this 'art' lens, but I am absolutely loving the challenge.

These were taken after my 'day' off when I went out to check the pasture and enjoy some more sunshine.

PS...we survived the storm, it went past us to the north.

I Dun Did It!

What did I dun do?

I am a person who needs a challenge each year or some sort of goal to achieve. Sometimes my goal was learning something brand new like Infrared Photography, Still Photography, or things related to activities.

One year it was the KVR trail challenge. The challenge was to hike all of the trails in the Reserve and do it within a calendar year.

It took me 3 tries over a 3 years before I actually finished and completed all 69+ miles of marked trails at the Reserve. I'd had many many side trips while hiking with others during those years. 

One can't complete just the 69+ miles. You have to mix and match the trails to get them all in.

Anyway, I checked my 'yearly' hiking miles this year in November. I hadn't much thought of adding up how many miles I did. But my smarty-watch helped me keep track. 

I had a distance in mind but wasn't sure about how it would work out or if it was even possible. 

My hiking/walking was simply for looking for things and enjoying fresh air along with movement.

I missed many days due to heat, rain, BUGS, and of course the 9 days of gun season. So I was surprised that when I checked things again a week ago, I realized I could reach a goal of 1,000 miles. I mean, I was good with anything that I had. I thought I'd just establishing a baseline for future years if I decided to keep track. 

[Dang, that is a baseline? What should I set for another goal???]

I did the math and distances are an  accumulation of about 2.7 miles a day.

To get those last 5 miles in...

I decided to head to Weister Creek to check on my favorite Ice Formations. Rock Shelters with ice curtains.

Everyone calls them Ice Caves.

Over the years, visiting as many ice caves as I can is always to do in the winter. Let's face it, the land is unique and so are the 'caves'. They are just plain cool to see.

Below is a wide angle shot of the first set of caves. This spot is unusual in that it has several rock shelters and a lot of water seepage. By February, if the weather cooperates, these will become ice caves.

You can slip behind the sheet of ice and look out at a curtain of ice.

In this shot, Charlie and I are in the top right corner 'cave' in the photo above.
 

I'm about 5' 3' so that can give you an idea as to how tall that ice really is.

The trail [cough cough] -- not really a trail, a faint deer path... isn't marked. It is demanding, steep, and requires one to walk on a steep incline over obstacles. 

Climbing down to the caves is another adventure entirely. 

But when the ice sheets are full its so beautiful. 

It is worth the trouble of putting on ice cleats and trudging up into the caves.

What it can look like on a good winter from behind the ice.

There, I got in one pre Christmas Hike to visit the Ice Caves and accomplished something.

Let's see what happens next year. I have a couple of long distance challenges I've been thinking off.

The shot below is at the area where I generally stop in the winter and turn around.

This is what makes the hike so special ... so much cool ice!

It's hard to get to and find, but worth the difficulty. 

Generally in February there are guided tours given by staff of the Reserve to visit this area.

Chasing ice

 

Thursday after lunch I took off to go look for ice along the bluffs of the Kickapoo River. I waited until after noon to head out as I was hoping for it to warm up above 10 F. It did, but the windchill was still at something like 9 F, if you were facing the winds.

I knew that hiking along the bluffs would keep me on the east side of the river with the forest and the bluff blocking part of the cool breeze. However, since the sun never shines on this section of the bluffs ... except on late summer evenings, it would be chilly next to the rocks.

That is perfect for the formation of little ice falls. Last year there was almost no ice or water in this area due to the drought we'd been having. This was promising sign to see. There is a small 'pond' under the rock that was frozen solid.

Light reflects strangely on ice and water which is why I took my Infrared Camera again.

I'm not sure why the mosses don't turn out with the same amount of colors. I suppose it is just how the light reached the moss and the ice in these two areas.

What the ice looks like in camera:

I channel swap, which means I swap the colors and blue can become pinkish, reddish, or with this filter more orange colored. The ice will almost turn blue with most filters [except the 850nm range which is a B&W filter...very useful for white fluffy clouds against a black sky]

Here was another unpredictable shot. I thought this would just turn out yuck with nothing fun. I wanted to see if I could differentiate the ice hidden inside this fern and moss covered area. It turned out to be my favorite shot of the day.

Some IR photographers call this 'Candy Colored' and I think it is! But the detail in the ferns turned out pretty neat. 

I did take some normal shots, but not many.

Hiking down Willow Trail.

Long Tall Shadows on old 131 Trail.

Charlie, the Explorer. 

Turkey Day was Lasagna

Our Thanksgiving was just a peaceful and quiet day. I'd made our lasagna the day before and thawed one of hubby's favorite pies I'd purchased from a Mennonite bakery. Peach pie.

Of course we are non traditional, why not? Whatever floats your boat, right?

While the hunters were out stuffing their faces, I got outside in the cold weather. 

I found treasures.

A box elder tree had frozen sap running from a broken branch. In the drop at the end you can see the forest and meadow reflected upside down.

In the buckthorn woods I found mossy logs with frost coming up out of their centers.

The crystals of ice and frost were beautiful. This was a look into the hole.

With the rest of the forest looking rather bleak, I found the mossy logs to be the most interesting. I imagine the center of the log was warmer from the previous warm days and had a lot of moisture.
As the moisture moved up and out, it formed the frosty crystals on the moss.

I only found it in this one place where the land hollows out in the forest. It is a bit of a swale but heavily shadowed and full of logs and downed trees from storms we had nearly 20 years ago. This section of our woods reminds me of the Mirkwood forest in The Hobbit, but without the frightening spiders!

It is a rather peaceful place both in all seasons.