Saturday was one of those beautiful winter days. Temperatures were cool, but not frigid. And the sky was cloudless. Clouds rolled in late in the day with flurries, but the morning was spectacular. And so we went strolling out to our favorite tree up to Cataloochee Ski and just enjoyed the weather. Hope your Saturday was as nice.
Our favorite tree framed against Cataloochee Ski.
Cataloochee Ski was having a spectacular day - and was not too crowded.
Cheoah is showing her true mountain spirit with a long blade of grass tucked away for future use!
Pffffffft! You call this snow? When I was a mere pup we used to have to walk up hill - both ways - in snow over our ears.
(Cheoah’s reaction to the latest “storm” that barely qualified as a flurry).
No real theme today except for some random pictures taken this past week – and all cute in their own way. Hope you enjoy!
Ruby of the Annex waiting in the back of her "ride" - Love the paw tuck
Sisters and #1 and #2 in the pack, Natasha and Kiska. Kiska is clearly the right "paw" of Queen Natasha the Evil. Princess Kiska the Not So Bad?
A second later - I like their head placement better, but Natasha's tongue is doing weird things.
We might have run Qannik and Cheoah to exhaustion.
We used to refer to Kodiak and Kiska as Boyfriend and Girlfriend they were so close, but it has been a long time since we have snapped a picture like this.
Our good friend, KB, has always shared on her blog the amazing wild animals in her world and she has asked if we spot tracks in the snow. Admittedly, KB is far more skilled than our hu-dad in identifying tracks and describing the behaviors of these creatures. Plus she can show actual pictures of piles of scat and turn it into a good story. We are very impressed with that skill since most of our stories turn into piles of scat, if you know what we mean. But we digress.
Recently, we were out in the snow and spotted some most interesting tracks and were able to follow the tracks and get actual pictures of the wild beast. We are not sure if this is quite as good as videos of mountain lions or pictures of hibernating bears. Actually, we are quite sure it is not that good. But we will still make the attempt. Come with us now as we go deep into the wilds.
The first tracks we saw were in melting snow, thus it was hard to make out the finer features.
But in this close shot, you are able to see the distinct pads of the paw. Its size is impressive and we knew we were close to the beast.
And then, in the distance, we spotted the animal fleeing across the open spaces.
We were able to take a side trail and get in front of it. See its majesty, those sparkling eyes. And then . . .
It rose to its full height and struck its stunning pose. Yes, we had captured a photograph of the elusive Rusty the Rooster.
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Grins - with all due respect to KB - May the Year of the Bobcat rule!
After posting yesterday’s pictures, we were asked where did all of the snow go? The answer is contained in this picture taken from the Town of Waynesville Park.
Snow covered mountains rising above the park
The town is at an elevation of 2,750 feet (840 meters) and is where we took our first walk on Sunday. And the city of Asheville is 2,134 feet (650 meters) which is where we were all hanging out on the drop line:
Shhhhh - Natasha is taking a nap. No one should wake the Queen.
Our house, however, sits at an elevation of 4500 feet (1372 meters), so we are more like those snow covered mountains you see rising behind the park in the first picture. Our road may be plowed, but there is still plenty of snow. Oh, and we have more snow forecasted for this week.
Kiska and Natasha enjoying our cooler temps.
P.S. – And for those who asked, the Blue Ridge Parkway is still closed in our part of the world even though it is open in the Asheville area. If you are coming to our area, you can always call (828) 298 0398 for closure information. Just doing our bit to promote tourism!
Count carefully
Study the picture above carefully. Yep, there are eight of us on the drop line. Our cousins, Tartok and Ruby, of The Thundering Herd Annex joined us on Sunday for some walks. We love having them – and our hu-grandmother – join us.
Ruby and Tartok on the end of the drop line.
The real fun part is that these pictures were taken at the Folk Art Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway. What we did not know was that a lecture on the red wolf was being presented at the Center at the same time we were on the drop line outside. Our hu-dad had to explain over and over that we were not a part of the presentation and not wolves. We just enjoyed all of ear scratches and belly rubs.
Ruby arrived and was quite relaxed at seeing her cousins.
Tartok, however, looked a little surprised to see all of us.
The best part was that we got to go on not one, but TWO, hikes as an extended family. And remember how our hu-dad was really excited the other day that he had taken a picture of all 6 of us. You know he took it as a challenge to get a picture of all 8 of us walking. But since he was part of the walking team, that was proving challenging. He finally got it, though the angle is a little wild.
All of us in one picture
That would be Rusty, Kodiak, Cheoah, Ruby (yes, yes, the reds hung out together), Tartok, Qannik, Natasha and Kiska. The fun part was watching the expressions of people – and dogs – coming around the trail in the other direction.
We had a gorgeous day with a high of 48 F (9 C). That was a tremendous break from our weather of the past few weeks and even The Herd seemed to enjoy the weather. We took several walks during the day, but this particular walk was near sunset Saturday evening along the Blue Ridge Parkway. After walking a good ways, Cheoah decided she needed to savor snow in her own special way – the Cheoah Slide:
Cheoah spots the perfect spot for a slide
Sniffing to make sure that it is perfect.
You start with a chin slide to crush the snow into your collar.
Then you slide the side of your face to make sure the ears are filled with snow.
Then, of course, you go for the alternate side of the face. Equal treatment is important.
Ahhhhhhhh!
Kodiak inspecting the form very carefully (he is a novice snow slider).
No flash is being used. Those are just crazy eyes.
After a really good slide, it is important to savor the moment.
We have achieved Cheoah Zen.
Ok - about done.
Time to stroll off into the sunset.
