Chipmunk Picnic

On a recent clear day, getting to the top of Mt. Peak, I saw a chipmunk sitting on a sunny rock. He or she froze for a second and eyed me sideways.

As I crossed the top and got a better view, I could see that he was holding a slice of banana in his little mitts. He held it out comically in front of him, at mouth level, as though it was a big plate, or a pizza pie.

I saw a few more slices on the ground around him. Once he realized I was just passing over the top, he went back to spinning and nibbling on his banana slice.

I chuckled, wondering if he'd raided someone's picnic, or if the pieces had been sliced just for him. I got the feeling he'd been a guest at the picnic, rather than a party-crasher. It was a kind action, whomever was behind it.

Mt. Peak's Own Weather

Hiking up Mt. Peak on a day during the most recent windstorm, as usual planning to be on alert for cracking and falling timber, I was surprised by the difference in the weather on the hill. Getting in amongst the trees, there was hardly a breeze -- no noticeable wind all the way to the top, including on the top.

Having recently hiked up into a hailstorm, the usual rain, and the odd nicer day, it was strange to have a windstorm on the flats, and Mt. Peak calm.