Birch.
Pretty much snowed all day. Awoke to a steady snow, swept off the deck; the snow continued, got heavier. By midday, the wind kicked in. Saw (and heard) crows flying back and forth about my place. Took care of some errands in town—spotted gulls and pigeons on the little tower atop the old Van Baalens building— and then drove with Jack to the hill.
Rock.
The parking lot was a bowl of snow, but the Tacoma had no problem with it. Jack waited patiently while I pulled on my snowshoes. Somewhere between the truck and the first stretch of trail, I lost my lens cap. Or I might’ve lost it back at the house—hard to tell with so many inches of snowfall everywhere.
We walked up. Trudged up, Beech Hill spreading white and pale above us. The snow was blowing from the west, helping us ascend. If there were any birds around, ain’t no way I’d be seeing ’em in these conditions.
Somebody had walked up before us by maybe an hour or so, but by now we had the hill to ourselves. Snow filled the air, rendered the distance invisible. Jack bounded through it, loving it. I’ve never known another dog that so loved snow.
Beech Nut stood firm and alone at the summit. Snow caked Jack’s face and my mustache by the time we reached the hut, and its porch served as a brief but welcome respite from the weather. And then we headed back down.
Beech Nut.
Steady snow, blowing. Eight or ten inches of it, I’d guess. The wind whipped full into our faces. Thankful for snowshoes.
Afterward, Jack napped while I worked at my desk. The snow let up just as evening fell, and off to the south and west a clear moody-blue sky rose like a revelation.
Tonight, there’s a blustery wind and the temperature is dropping swiftly. A while ago, beyond the hill out back, I watched Jupiter set among the bare branches of the big red oak trees.
Beech Hill List
Beginning at 1 p.m., I hiked the open trail.
No birds seen or heard on the hill today.
Elsewhere
1. American crow
2. Herring gull
3. Rock pigeon
Eastern slope.
Tags: American crow, herring gull, rock pigeon
