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I really want a Christmas tree this year so I picked out a beauty a few weeks ago when Alan took me touring the hills and creeks on the place in his bright red Jeep.
He was going to get it for me over the holiday but what with babies and hunting and eating turkey and all (which he and Amber raised and donated to the cause....I cooked it in my roaster, breast down, in a quart of chicken stock Becky and I made last summer...Yum!) the tree didn't get harvested.
I've been trying to explain to the boss just where it is so he can take the skid steer up and get it for me, but it is not easy to describe a single tree in a forest of same. Thus I grabbed a roll of surveyors' tape and my bins and camera and headed out on the hills to tag my prey.
It was a slippery climb, with the snow crusted to ice and the rough and rocky trail, but the Jeep tracks from holiday hunts got me to the top of the 30-acre Lot safely. From there I contemplated the lack of a path up to Seven-County Hill where the wild pines and Ruffed Grouse grow.
And noped my plans right there on the spot. No Jeep tracks, just sharp crusty snow, chest-high brush, and a mini mountain to climb. I really wanted to tag that darned tree, but if you don't respect your age and abilities you will wish you had. It was enough of a fool's errand climbing the front hill in winter without goating up the big hill.
I opted for a hike over to the deer blind and some time sitting on the ladder of same enjoying the company of an assortment of birds. It was peaceful up there despite the traffic noise and trains. I think I heard a Winter Wren check-checking from the bushes but Merlin couldn't hear him and I couldn't pish him out. Even without counting him the trip netted me 21 species, not bad for a winter walk just on our own place.
I came down....walking very gingerly...much refreshed and in a better frame of mind than when I started....despite the pine tree fail. You can't put a price on time outdoors....because it's priceless after all.
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4 comments:
Those quiet walks (well except for out out of breath huffing) are the most precious. Sorry you didn't get that particular tree, maybe another one will catch your eye.
Shirley, I should walk out on the hill more often, but I am concerned about falling. I figure it wouldn't take too much of a stumble to really impact my ability to get out and bird. As for the tree, if either Alan or Ralph can one for me, I will happily take whatever they pick. The white pines are a family tradition from hard times past and we have a lot of them colonizing the 7-county Hill field. Once the lights and ornaments go on, you don't really notice the shape much. I just hope the snow doesn't get too deep for them to get me one at all.
I am of the same mind with you. Although, you have beautiful forest, pastures, farm ground and hills (Lovely) I have farm, a mesa, flat ground and canyons...outside...it's always special for our souls.
Linda, I love your photos of your canyons and plateaus. Wish I was younger and go back to Colorado to bird there again. I was able to do so back in the 70s and saw so many amazing birds.
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