Friday, March 9, 2012

SNOW DAY


The sky was clear blue and light sparkled off the fresh snow.  It was a perfect day for a walk in the woods. 

Since my daughter and I were traveling on snowshoes it didn’t matter that the forest service hadn’t yet groomed my favorite trail along the river.  In no time at all we were moving along; chatting and enjoying our day of freedom.

Sunshine reflected off the water and we could hear the quiet honking of the big trumpeter swans as they slowly swam along.  Then my daughter stopped and pointed with her ski pole.

A coyote was making his way over the snow just ahead of us.  I fumbled for my camera and got a couple of pictures before he slipped out of sight.

The swans and a few ducks fed in the mossy shallows.  They were used to visitors and mostly ignored us as we flopped by leaving yeti-sized tracks. 

We followed the river around a bend and again caught sight of the yellow-eyed coyote.
 
 He’d picked out a sunny spot where he could watch the birds and wish for a poultry dinner.  The mild winter hadn’t been good to scavengers.  Mr. Coyote had a scruffy, lean and hungry look.


 He didn’t bother to get up when he saw us go by fifty or so yards away.

 Our return trail went by a frozen lake.

 We made our way through the purple shadows of the evergreens, laughing and sharing stories.


 All the exercise and fresh air made the burgers …

and basket of fries at Big Judds taste even better.  When we got back we found that JD had been enjoying his play date with Grandpa so much he’d hardly even missed his mom.

18 comments:

Alica said...

I hope you know (and I'm sure you do!!) just how gorgeous your part of the country is! I'm in awe!

TexWisGirl said...

the swans are beautiful. yes, poor coyote looks a bit bedraggled...

Carla said...

Your pictures make me cold. Well, that an the rain/40*/windy here at my house. It looks like it was a perfect day for your and your DD. :)

TALON said...

Just gorgeous, Leenie. I love when you take us on your glorious walks. I just wish I could join you for the burger and fry finale! :)

Far Side of Fifty said...

Oh so pretty! What a wonderful day to be out and about! I enjoyed your photos..I will admit I was coveting that Robin that showed up in your last post:)

Linda Sue said...

BEAUTIFUL! You should always travel with a dead bunny in your pocket just for coyote reasons...Next time!

Brian King said...

Gorgeous shots, Leenie! Love the one of the coyote going over the hill. And the burger looks delicious...makes my mouth water!

Leauxra said...

Sounds fantastic. I better get out to the woods before the snow's all gone. Things are melting a bit early this year!

Buttons Thoughts said...

Oh Man I mis snowshoeing and with my daughter would be lovely.
These pics are wonderful I really must come visit you and see your part of the country it looks incredible.
Well I must say the burger and fries and time spent laughing and being with your daughter is like icing on the cake. Great post. I am jealous. HUG B

Anzu said...

I see you could enjoy of walking around in the chill air, and met beautiful birds and an animal like dog. It's true one of the things the winter guests look forward to the most is hot lunch like you took.ε= (^0^*)

Maude Lynn said...

Gorgeous captures! I've always wanted to try out snowshoes.

Sarah said...

Great day and great photos-I especially enjoyed seeing the coyote-a mixture between a wolf and a fox he looks like.

Terry and Linda said...

Hummmm I wonder if he was ill?

Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com

CarrieBoo said...

What a trip! Glad to hear you had a lovely time with your daughter.

Anonymous said...

Quite a contrast in weather - it was warm enough yesterday for us to have our afternoon cuppa in the garden!

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

What a wonderful capture that coyote was. All your beautiful pics were breathtakin' sweetie.

God bless ya and have yourself a sunshiny kinda day!!! :o)

kendalee said...

You know I am not fond of the cold but that landscape and wildlife could convert me. It just fills me with peace and quiet even looking at the pictures. So, so beautiful!

Tom G. said...

Wow. So beautiful, it almost makes me envious. But I'll take our 60 degrees and misty rain over that sunshiny snowy scene right now.