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Above the Clouds

This week the valley has been mostly enshrouded in thick cold ice fog. Thanks to abundant web cams I figured out that up on the Loup (Loup Loup Pass) there was sunshine and twice I went up there to escape the fog. Not only was it sunny but the trails are not icy like they are in valley and the low lying-hills. That is because we have been under the effect of a weather inversion. This means that high pressure and warmer air are trapping the fog and cold air down in the valley and it is warmer as you go higher in elevation.

This is one goofy winter.

On this day the fog layer was not as thick.
Here the fog is much thicker.
Oval Peak. I don’t know why it’s called Oval.
Mount Gardner

Walks with Friends

The dogs and I love walks with friends  – both canine and human. These images are from a couple of walks on the Wildlife Area near Frost Road. It’s really just a mile or two from our house as the raven flies, however there is private land in between here and there. Consequently we have to drive about fifteen miles to get there.

I wonder what Sky is thinking about?
Better quit thinking and catch up with the pack
January? Really?
Look what Sky brought us!
Frida leads the way
A frozen hay field
Here comes Frida!
And Luna is right behind her
Terrific clouds
Looking towards Frost Lake

Two Hawks

Lots of catching up today. My computer is facing another serious meltdown and sooner or later I have to take it in for another new hard drive. I am caught up on work stuff so that should happen soon.

In the meantime here are a couple of hawks I’ve seen from my dining room this month. I think they are both first year birds – a light Red-tailed Hawk and a Sharp-shinned Hawk. If you have other ideas about their ID, let me know.

I think this one is a light juvenile Red-tailed Hawk
I am pretty sure this is a Sharp-shinned Hawk, probably a female since it seems big.

An American Dipper and a Green Growing Plant

One day, earlier this month, we had a short walk in Big Valley. Normally Luna and I would be skiing out there every week. MVSTA grooms a ski trail and dogs are allowed. But with so little snow, there is no grooming at Big Valley this year. Insert big sad face here.

It’s always fun to get to the river in the winter and watch for American Dippers (formerly referred to as Water Ouzels). These amazing birds with short tails ‘swim’ underwater finding insects anytime of the year. In the winter they are on the main river. During high water and breeding season they go to the smaller tributaries to make their nests and raise their young.

The dipper is standing on a rock in the middle of the river, balanced on one foot, and scratching its ear. Birds are amazing.
There are quite a few of these plants growing in a little side channel. Do you know what they are?

We Walk at Home

We walk at home just about everyday. Even if we have a bigger outing, we will often do a quick loop just so the dogs can get their yaw yaws out and I can stretch my legs. And on a sunny day like this one – we go for longer walks.

Luna needs a haircut and more attention
We don’t usually get this close to deer. This one must have been enjoying the sun too.
Peek a boo