I needed less than 5 miles to hit my 30-mile goal last week. Didn’t.

I aborted Friday morning’s lumber due to snow and ice coming down and promises of better conditions on Saturday morning. Until I woke up Saturday and had no desire to lumber.

At this point, I could wax nostalgic about a weekend of suck and the want to lie down in a ditch on the side of the road for a long nap, but I will save that for another day.

The next 48+ hours had everything from ice and snow to sun and heavy rain. As it is now, we’ve had roughly three thaws/freezes since I last lumbered, and when I begrudgingly went out Tuesday morning, the trail conditions weren’t great, but doable in just hiking boots.

I would like to point out that I truly believe that hiking in 0˚ temps in January is warmer than 14˚ in March. It’s been hours since I came home, and I’ve had a hot shower, lunch, and hot coffee, and my joints are STILL cold. I say, gahdamn!!

The critter activity wasn’t bad today, mostly birds, but I did get some shots of a migrating Red Fox Sparrow, and I have to admit, I don’t know if I’ve ever photographed a Fox Sparrow before. Nice little bird that reminds me of an Eastern Towhee mixed with a Robin in some ways, although not as cool looking as a Towhee in my opinion.

***

Here is where I say I’m looking forward to getting back into the woods tomorrow. And I am, sort of. But this winter has fried my brain, and I make no promises that I won’t find a ditch to lie down in and sleep until warm weather arrives in 8 to 16 weeks.

Later.