Tracks in the Snow

I enjoy walking through the woods soon after a new snowfall, because all the animals that are hard to get a glimpse of during the daytime can't help but leave their footprints behind. We've had a couple of sightings of wolves on our end of the Valley lately, one of which was spotted by Jolene below the bluff last Spring. This track was about a mile from the house on a trail I walk frequently. The tracks on the right side of the picture are from Dino (smaller, and closer together), but the bigger track on the left is much larger and the animal was in a gallop (notice the print is by itself, not grouped together like Dino's front/hind print). Could be a big, heavy dog....but I'm guessing a wolf.


Here's another nearby print from the same animal. Compared to my hand....that's a big, big paw print.


Can't beat the scenery of fresh snow on the trail.


Clearly, this is Dino's favorite time of year.


Heidi, on the other hand, seems to prefer the warmer weather. She still thinks she's a dog, though, and tries to go on walks with me and Dino. But the rest of the day, she either hunts birds and voles around the yard, or relaxes in her own "dog" house. Tough life! We recently added her name, "Heidi-Cat",  over her door, which she seemed to approve as a good idea.

This video shows her chasing a vole around the yard.


The muddy banks of Cottonwood Creek aren't quite so muddy this time of year.


Landon's moose kill site, not too far from the wolf tracks. But it appears only foxes have visited this site since the last snowfall.


On my walk, I pass by an observatory looking out over the expansive flats, built by our local boy scouts as an eagle scout project.  Unfortunately, even our pristine woods aren't untouched by the thoughtless vandalism of temporary visitors. Here is one of their drawings on the bench at the observatory.


And on the fence nearby.  Even strong arm tree, farther down the trail, was vandalized a little bit. Disappointing.


Dino was surprised to find his favorite swimming hole frozen over. He walked on its frozen surface, looking for a way to slide into the water for his normal short swim, but then accepted that his swimming hole is gone and won't be back until next Spring.


This season also brings about the need to watch out for traps set in the woods. Trapping in Alaska has a long and entwined history that helped open the state to outside interests, and in many ways helped to shape the culture in the Last Frontier. Hikers and hunters maintain a cordial relationship with trappers in the state, and all such activities are protected under state law. Here is an example of a trap I came across on one of my walks. It is well marked (green survey tape at top of picture), and the snare wire loop is easy to pick out near the ground below the survey tape. Only issue I would have with this trap is that it was placed right on the trail, where people and pets walk, but it is at least well marked, and with Dino always on a leash through this part of the walk, it is easy to avoid.


A closer look at a typical snare. Good to keep an eye out for them, and avoid when able.


Frozen spider webs cling to the underside of our deck handrail.


Frost forming on our deck.


We are in need of more snow at the house.....send any spare snow you have our way please!


Dino, tired from his walk, takes a rest in his frost-laden cove. He's 9 1/2 years old, and his walks are starting to shorten, and go a little bit slower.


From a distance, you can make out the paraflares floating down over the battlefield for U.S. Army Alaska's recent field training. We have a straight-shot view of the range from our house, and even though we are nearly ~12 miles away, we can see the flares, hear the artillery and get to watch the paratroopers jump out of C-17's several times a year. There's always something interesting to do around the McDowell house!