February weekend walk on the trail

Reasonably warm day, so at a little after lunchtime, I got dropped off at the 22 entrance and took a walk on the Sakatah, headed toward Lime Valley entrance. Took me just about an hour to make the trip. Saw a runner and his dog, and 2 cross country skiers. No snowmobiles today.

The air was crisp, but tolerable. The trail seemed empty, until I took the time to stop for a while and listen. This is a common problem on the trail, people are in too much of a hurry. When you are looking ahead as you ride bicycle, you can literally see the animals scamper for cover. If you stop and wait a while, they start to get used to you, then resume their activities.

I heard them first, then saw a pair of mourning doves... then, what a surprise, there appeared right in front of me 8-10 others that scattered quickly. They blend into the brush amazingly well. I did not know that mourning doves stayed the winter, but evidently, they do.

Not much longer after that , I heard a Chickadee, which isn't surprising, they are a common stay-over bird. They are one of my favorite birds.

Getting close to the bridge near Lime Valley, I heard and interesting sound, looke up and saw a pair of Downy Woodpeckers gathering lunch. They looked well-fed and healthy. It was good to see them.

Besides the birds, I saw squirrels and plenty of tracks. I came across a regular party of tracks crowded around a fresh kill. Judging from the tracks, it appeared to be a feast that a lot of different animals enjoyed.

So, the Sakatah is not dead in the winter, it's very much alive... and taking a walk was a good chance to get fresh air and gather some hope.

There is about 1-1/2 inches of hardpack snow and ice... but here and there, I could see TAR. Which means the springtime bicycling is just around the corner. I can hardly wait.

Take a winter walk if you get the chance!