I am slowly figuring out that the way to enjoy winter is to take pleasure in the small things: a good cup of tea or hot chocolate on a cold afternoon, watching the same Downy Woodpecker at the suet feeder each day, watching a hawk hover over a meadow looking for supper, the chance to listen to good music, and – of course -the company of good friends. And if my head is in the right place, even the vagaries of the weather — sunny one moment, windy and gray the next — can be a pleasure.
Yesterday was cold and windy in town, and my head was definitely not in the right place for finding pleasure in the weather. Nonetheless, I wanted to be outdoors, so I headed out to York Bridge, which crosses the Missouri River above Hauser Dam. There’s a nice little trail there that climbs a hill above the river, and I hoped that there would be a little sunshine out there as well.
As I pulled off the road near the bridge, the wind was blowing like a bugger, but I stuck to my guns. There was snow on the hillside, but it wasn’t deep, so I headed up. My reward? Sunshine. Pretty warm sunshine at that. And of course …. a not-too-shabby view.
See? Sunshine!
It gets a little “bushwhacky”
Looking north from the ridge: sunshine is leaving.
The only other tracks I saw on the way up were deer and rabbit tracks, but when I reached the ridge, I saw a line of large canid tracks heading along the ridge. No person with them, and definitely big enough for a wolf. What do you think?
I’m going with wolf, because that gives me pleasure!
Off the Beaten Path: Hikes, Backpacks, and Travels 
Thank you for taking me on one of your winter hikes! Loved the photos.
Glad you checked it out.
No way I’m going to answer that question if there’s even a remote possibility that Ed B could set me straight . . . Good looking track, though. Maybe put a glove next to it for scale?
Yep, should’ve put my glove down next to it. But it was wolf-size, for sure. I bet Ed would say that if we want it to be a wolf, it’s a wolf!
I say wolf! I’d also say the hike to the top was worth it, despite the wind. We’ve had two very windy days as well but, like you, I’m enjoying whatever weather this winter brings. Since our summers are so long, I try to enjoy every single day it isn’t in the 90-100’s!
Good, I’m going with wolf, for sure! I am trying so hard to find enjoyment in all kinds of weather…but I don’t always succeed. A little Texas warmth sounds pretty good to me right now…
I vote wolf. It’s interesting how the color of the sky changed during your walk. How far did you hike? What a view. So different from mine here in southeastern Minnesota.
It’s not a long walk – maybe 3 miles total, but it’s a nice climb. And, yes, it sure is different from your part of the country!
I vote for wolf too! Wow what a beautiful view….that walk was worth it 🙂
It was indeed worth it. Thanks for the visit.
There is much beauty in the small things! It feels fantastic to notice them.
Nice walk!
And thanks for taking the time to check them out and comment.
You need the shot where the wolf trail runs out and naked human footprints take over – or not 🙂
Apologies, enjoyed the narrative and the shots, looks sunny enough to be out, but cold enough to appreciate getting back.
Love it! Maybe you can only see that on a full moon night.