Six large lodgepoles were downed by wind across trails we use.
With winter fast approaching, they blocked our usual route on touring skis.
Luckily some industrious neighbor cleared all but one.
Early this morning, we headed out to be lumberjacks.
Two trees were actually across the trail.
A dead tree came down and took a healthy one with it.
Bob got busy with the hand saw.
I gave important instructions like
"be careful!"
"don't cut yourself!"
With the dead one sawed, he had to drag it off the trail.
My job was to hold the saw.
When the healthy tree was sawed, it looked like Charley Brown's Christmas tree.
Unfortunately, it will die before the holidays.
With the trail passable, our morning work was complete, and we hiked back home.
I was famished after all my supervision!
This week, we've had the usual moose and foxes moving across the property.
A less frequent visitor we're always happy to see is the Pine Marten.
They are secretive animals and seeing one is always a treat.
It stayed on the deck for about half an hour.
It rested for awhile, yawning and briefly closing its eyes.
However, it was always on guard.
It was aware of me at the window, but didn't seem worried.
We've had successive generations of Martens over 25 years.
Perhaps they've learned we pose no threat.
Here is a brief video.
Our county is now in orange stage 2 and under greater restrictions because the virus is spreading.
Meanwhile, our ski areas are opening, and tourists are arriving.
Bob and I continue to isolate.
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