Not to beat a spent lingam, but I haven’t been on trails using just my trail runners since sometime in mid-November. Until today.
Yo-Yo Vibes
As I pulled into the muddy parking lot today, I swore that I would not use microspikes for the day’s lumber. There is just no way! Screw it, I’m done!
No Coyote To See Here
I pulled into the lot just before 7 AM today, and once again had the debate of whether to strap on microspikes or not, given that half of the trails are clear. I went with spikes ’cause half the trails remain a solid sheet of ice and I’m a “glass half empty or half filled with shit” sort of dork.
The Mink & The Crow
Garage Doors & A Sunny Morning
After five days of waking up not sick, but still with some sort of allergy or slight head cold, I woke up on Saturday not sick and without some sort of allergy or head cold. There was much rejoicing.
30 Miles and 1 Turdus
Today was Day 5 of waking up not sick, but still with some sort of allergy or slight head cold. But since I feel good regardless of the drip, I did that thing where I go walking at pace in the woods with my camera looking for critters. So stupid.
I was intent on getting my 2026 fit and fat lifestyle back on track with a 30 in 5 Days week for only the second time since mid-January, and you know I went ahead and did it. Just barely, at 30.05 miles, but shit got done, and it felt great to be back on track, even if I wasn’t feeling 100%.
I was also intent on not taking any photos of squirrels, but since nothing else was cooperating, I went ahead and took one. And I’m glad I did, ’cause I dig the pic and can’t stop thinking that when a squirrel goes house (tree) hunting, they are looking for a tree with a good perch to eat breakfast on. Sort of like a patio breakfast spot for rodents. I digress.
I also got my first Turd photo (see intro) of the almost-spring, just as I was finishing up. I thought I saw one yesterday, but the trees were dark, and the sky was too grey to get a proper sighting or pic, so it didn’t count. THIS ONE counts. Sadly, whereas the dull grey sky ruined yesterday’s pic, today the bright 9 AM sun and blue sky made for too much harsh light and saturation. I did what I could to make it look a little less “meh,” but in the end, it’s just a good snapshot of a robin.
Not sure what my plan is for the weekend, but I know I need to do something in order to stop being not sick, but still with some sort of allergy or slight head cold. I hear that rest, beer, and endless footy watching are key, so I’ll see what I can do.
I’m also including a close-up photo I took of Lola T. Dog yawning, because I can.
Later.
Floating Heads & Possible Normalcy
Today was Day 4 of waking up not sick, but still with some sort of allergy or slight head cold. I’m kind of used to it now. So, into the woods I went.
Not As Bad As I Thought
Today was Day 3 of waking up not sick, but still with some sort of allergy or head cold. Such is life, and not enough to keep me out of the woods.
Mergansers & Miles
Woke up not sick today, so that was good. I still have something, but after 24+ hours, it remains just a runny nose, so I think it’s mostly like allergies from the billions of wet leaves that cover the ground after the snow melt. Then again, I’m no doctor, but I do have a costume in the bedroom closet for special occasions. In any event, allergy meds are doing the job for now.
A Normal Loop & Some Birds
As with most of 2026, last week was pretty crap for lumbering, with only 3 lumbers and a mere 13.78 miles in my feetz. I was pretty down about it, but there were some signs to be positive about.
Real flowers, sun, and green grass type spring is about 7 or more weeks away for mid-Michigan, but there has been a real uptick in critter activity, and many birds are returning to breed. While 23˚ and 13 MPH winds are not my type of breeding weather (I tend to catch a chill when breeding outdoors), the birds don’t seem to mind, and it really is a sign that the critters are just as ready for spring as I am.