February 5th. All of the snow and most of the ice gone since yesterday...

 

...but still some icy sections, especially in the shade. Cleats a good idea. (And more nasty weather expected tomorrow.)

 

Not a single bird seen or heard.

 

Desperate for pictures, I photographed ice patterns in footprints.

 

 

 

 

 

Looks a bit like a trilobite.

 

 

 

Sunlight caught on just one crystal.

 

February 8th. Starting from the Route 85 parking lot, the mural ws as far east as I got today.

 

Even with cleated slip-on Ice Trekkers, the trail was tedious to walk. With 6 inches or more of snow expected tonight, it may be awhile before I'm comfortable getting out for another walk on this section. Snow on top of ice would be too dangerous.

 

February 11th. First time back on the trail after 4+ inches of snow. Parking lot plowed.

 

Lots of foot traffic yesterday. Walking not bad at all, but there was ice under the snow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I saw no birds or mammals, but caps of snow marked last year's bird nests.

 

 

 

February 12th. At Cranberry Bog, a decorated bell by the community garden area.

 

Mildly curious Sheep at the little farmyard just to the east.

 

 

 

 

 

Everything white at the pond east of River Road.

 

 

 

 

 

February 14th. Several inches more snow atop everything. Traction pretty good, but ice underneath.

 

February 15th. Trail walkable with the same care as yesterday. Nasty weather coming later today and overnight, perhaps ending in ice.

 

February 19th. Midday at the Route 85 parking lot, solid and slick ice everywhere still. I didn't dare try walking it, even with cleats and a trekking pole. Likely a few more days at least before it's walkable.

 

Only slightly better at Cranberry Bog. No animals out at the little farmyard so I headed back.

 

 

 

Lots of sand over much of the parking area, but still icy.

 

February 22nd. With continued cold, conditions on the trail (and at Cranberry Bog) remain lousy. Animals well sheltered.

 

Temps above freezing predicted for the next few days. Hoping for surface improvements.