Elk Yesterday; Blue Heron Today

There was a herd of 20-30 elk in the Mt. Peak fields yesterday. I saw many of them were staring at something, and noticed a resident of the property hanging over a fence, looking at them, maybe talking to and coaxing them.

After climbing Mt. Peak, I saw the elk were still there, relaxing in the sunshine.

Today the blue heron was back, standing statue-like in a little marsh area by Mt. Peak.

Some shrubs are budding, and there are seeds and bulbs sprouting. They think an early spring is coming, but it will be a rude awakening as usual.

Elk on 276th Near Mt. Peak

On the way to Mt. Peak today, cars were pulled over on 276th. I wondered what the reason was, when I saw a herd of about 30 elk in the fields to the east. Then, the real immediate reason: one elk was on 276th, trapped, trying to break through the barbed wire fence along the road. I'm sure it tore itself up a little continually trying to bash through different sections of the fence. At last, it found a driveway and trotted up to a farmhouse, went around the east side of it, reappeared on the north side, majestically jumped a fence on the west side, then circled around to join the herd back to the east. It was a lot of elk.

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.