Boreal Access

With the lovely warm weather last weekend I decided to take my annual ski to Stairway Portage–what a gorgeous day!

The ski across Hungy Jack was made easier by the established ski tracks already in place.

As I approached the Bearskin-Duncan portage the snowmobile tracks were thinning out.  I always appreciate having something of a packed trail when skiing on the lakes.  It’s usually a snowmobile track.

On Duncan Lake there was evidence of a moose stroll. It really looked like he walked out, took a couple loops and then right back into the woods where he started.  What was he looking for?

I made it to Stairway, can’t say the photo’s the best winter shot, but that’s what it looked like last Sunday.  I could hear the water churning under the ice.  I did head a bit east and crossed that little bridge. 

There I found a window in the ice, letting summer dreams flow.

The weather forcast is for another warm sunny weekend, if you have the chance follow the tracks to Stairway.

nhs

The Goldfinches have returned-were they just at someone else’s feeder?  Or off in some southern (MN) neighborhood?  Either way, I’m happy to have their hints of yellow brighten our trees.  Watching them slowly turn completely yellow is a happy way to watch for spring.  I’ll try to keep you posted as they change.

The Downy Woodpeckers can be counted on in the winter-they’re always here.  The male’s small spot of intense red stands out in winter’s muted palette.  That’s one of the things I like about winter, it doesn’t take a lot of color to make a splash.

And what would a bird feeder be without a squirrel?

nhs