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.

False Spring Drags On

The other day I hiked up into a hailstorm on Mt. Peak.

Soon after, the snow level came down the closest range of foothills.

Every time it warms up, we relapse into cold weather again.

Spring's got to be coming soon.

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).

Back Off, Barbie-Boy

Have you run into the Mt. Peak hiker with the "Barbie" backpack (well, you know what I mean). Apparently, he owns the trail, as he will sometimes stand in the way of someone struggling to the top, breaking the rhythm of their workout. And if you are going downhill and he is coming uphill, and you step out of his way so as not to break the rhythm of his workout, he passes you without thanks.

Being a somewhat older hiker, tall and muscular-fit, you'd think he'd be happy to be fitter than many much younger people, rather than carry a mysterious resentment up and down Mt. Peak.

He's one of our characters; I wish he'd be courteous on the paths.

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.

The Chanting Monk of Mt. Peak

He's almost famous amongst Mt. Peak regulars. On the downhill portion of his hike, you'll hear him singing, his voice booming through the trees. It sounds something like Gregorian chant, with no discernible words in English (but is he singing in Latin, or gibberish?).

I'm sure the regular hillwalking gives the Chanting Monk of Mt. Peak extra lung capacity and diaphragm power to project his voice.

Most of us use an iPod or other device for music on our hikes. He uses his own voice. He's one of our characters, our individualists.