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.

False Spring

Several days ago, during the false spring warm-up, I was surprised to see a garter snake lying across the trail when I was coming down Mt. Peak. I stopped and we stared at each other for a moment, then I went around him/her. Chipmunks and little squirrels were all around, including one above the halfway-elevation-point sitting on a branch holding a peanut in both little mitts. (Who gave him the peanut, now?)

A day or two later, the weather was almost freezing again.

We usually have a little false spring or temporary warm-up, signalled by frogs croaking in the evening. But the cold always comes back before spring really begins.

This time, it's been different. Many trees are budding and leafing, bulbs have come up and are in bloom, and many birds are here early, including a squawking scrub jay.

It seems this time, strangely, the false spring actually fooled the plants and animals (the frogs are always fooled).

Christmas Music Still

Inane Christmas music still playing in the stores -- ugh ugh ugh.

A chipmunk ran across the trail halfway up Mt. Peak. Lots of dogs, including tiny ones.

House fire near Mt. Peak on Dec. 23rd. Saw no sign of it.

Herds of 15-30 elk seen recently in the fields.

Mt. Peak gives me a clear head and chest and endorphins that last all day.

Three-Legged Dog on Mt. Peak

Up Mt. Peak Christmas Day -- a 3-legged short-haired lab with a couple near the top. This is the second 3-legged dog I've seen recently on the hill. Think of the able-bodied people who complain they can't climb the hill, or even walk on the level. It's shameful. The elderly and toddlers go up the hill. It brings great health and a powerful sense of well-being. It's one of the best exercises in the area, or anywhere.

Christmas Eve day kind of sunny, dry. Frosty last night. Christmas Day mostly sunny, clear.

As I got to the bottom of Mt. Peak, there was one chipmunk racing around a tree, right next to the parking area.

Think of the 3-legged dogs for inspiration to get and be healthy, a good thought for Christmas.

Quiet on Mt. Peak

Up Mt. Peak today -- pretty quiet, but a fair amount of people there, probably because the sun came out earlier.

Again saw or heard no chipmunks or birds on the hill.

Just crows standing on the fenceposts in the fields along Warner.

Scrub Jays, Seagulls, & Chipmunks?

I awoke today to the squawk of a scrub jay, and soon after, the cry of a seagull. Both sounds evoked California, seagull cries being the main chorus of San Francisco's soundtrack. It was odd hearing them, since I haven't heard either for a long time. It seemed to have something to do with the warmer weather and morning sun, after the cold and snow and low, grey clouds recently.

Up Mt. Peak today, it was quiet. Usually a chipmunk or two peeps and peeks, but I didn't notice any animals on the hill this time. Were the animals elusive, or was I just distracted and preoccupied?