Snowy Walk in the Woods

I spent the weekend with two Littles, two dogs and two cats whilst the parent's were away. Whew...I am soooo not used to that anymore. ~grins~ It's one thing to have them stay with me in my home because they're in my element, but staying with them, in their home? Oh my, it's a whole different game. By Saturday afternoon, I was ready to pull out my trusty, no-fail secret weapon. Ahhh, the woods. We (meaning me) were ready for some serious outdoor adventuring because there is nothing like a little trailblazing to take the edge off excess energy. Let's go!

This boy would spend his life in the woods if he were allowed. There is nothing he doesn't like about being outside, in the woods, preferably on an adventure.

For as girlie-girl as this one can be, she holds her own out here too. She's one tough Chick-a-bee and thinks this is a grand ole time. She's right, you know.

Trail blazing is a must when you find snow this deep. Oh, there are trails here, but it's always more fun to blaze your own path. Besides, the rabbit holes, fairy rings and animal tracks aren't on the trail. They're off to the sides so that's where we must go. We did have to talk about being aware of holes that one might tumble in to and where the trail ended and the edge of the lake began. From all the holes in the ice close to shore, it appears some people weren't aware this is a spring fed lake and therefore, thin ice. The littles took note and stayed back.

"I think we have to go this way, but I also think we're lost," said she. I pointed out that the trail we were following went along the edge of the lake and as long as we stayed close to the lake, we wouldn't get lost. The world seems so big when you're so small.

He always finds a hiking stick when we're in the woods. Smart boy. It comes in handy for getting through deep snow, climbing over fallen logs, giving a boost onto various benches and testing how deep holes are.

You really meet all kinds in the woods, seriously. A x-country skier actually suggested she should walk the whole trail (2 miles) in snow this deep...you know, so we didn't wreck the trail for skiers. We politely suggested that he should go find a designated ski trail and stay off the hiking trail...you know, if that was an issue. I was a bit incredulous over his request. I wouldn't have taken them hiking on a designated ski trail. Note to the littles, don't be like that guy in the woods.

I think the fresh air and the hike are working. He's looking calm, serene...

She's tired. We made it nearly to the end of the hike before she asked if we were almost there yet. Yes, darling, nearly there.

See, it's a trusty, no-fail secret weapon...works every time.

A Snowy Walk in the Woods

Being the "lover of snow" that I am, I was pretty ecstatic about this last snowstorm. I know, I know, it's getting real close to being time to put away my snow wand, but seriously, how can you not have fun in the snow? So it gets a little cold; you can always bundle up.

Pickeral Lake is a nature preserve not too far from my son's house and it has a beautiful hiking trail that's just right for a bit of day hiking. Not too long at 1.9 miles, and not too difficult for the kids to handle in the snow. (Truth be told, it's not too difficult for adults to handle in the snow, but who's telling that?)

And doesn't this crew look like they were ready for some more winter fun? Heck, even the dog could hardly contain himself while we were getting ready.

Yep, and F.O.S. got into the moment by pretending he was the lumberjack. hehe
 
Sir K and Tank (the dog) pretty much blazed their own trail. Sir S was up and down and all around and kept wanting me to take more pictures of his antics. This particular spot, he decided, was a most excellent location to flop down and check out the view from a snowbank. I like that you can see mom's and my reflection in his glasses.

We saw lots of evidence of beavers, a few mouse trails under the snow, a crazy amount of wood pecker holes, and the occasional "hufflelump" and "sprangerlot" tracks. And in case you're wondering, we don't know what a hufflelump looks like because no one's ever seen one (but we know they exist) and a sprangerlot is tall, thin and shy with very large footprints. (think, snowshoe shaped) Need I remind you of our family motto? "Never let the truth stand in the way of a good story" That should explain the crazy sightings on a snowy walk in the woods.

So, for all you summer folks, please be patient. Your season will be here soon enough and then all my fun will have to be packed away until the next winter. But for now, I'm going to enjoy the snow as much as I can before it leaves me again.

July 4th Weekend

We weren't going to paddle on this day, but Pickeral Lake was so calm and still in the morning. We launched and spent a few leisurely hours on the lake.

Close to shore on Pickeral Lake.

Couldn't help myself. This shot is so cliche, but I had to take it.
I'm always delighted to find Lady Slippers in the woods.

Oh, yes, the lovely Pigeon River. I am beat to hell after portaging the beaver dam and deadfalls just up from Tin Bridge.

Running the chute at the Pigeon River Bridge.

Self portrait?

Don't be deceived. The Sturgeon gets tough and I lost my hat when I rolled my boat under a sweeper.