As I walked the Beaver Pond Trail at Elk Island, I concentrated on the tree bark.
The birch provided a variety of straight and curved lines, making the bark an interesting subject to observe. The lines broke up the flat surface at varying intervals, creating a rough, pleasing texture. Lichen added color and more texture variances. The trees with bark peeling back, had various shades of brown hidden beneath the surface.
The old poplars along the trail had thick, rough, grey bark. The 'peaks and valleys' were covered in orange lichen that added a bright splash of color in the drab winter landscape.
As I wandered the trail, the squawking jays and ravens could be heard echoing through the trees. The woodpeckers were going about their business; 'jack hammering' the bark to get at the grubs and worms underneath it.
I actually did meet up with people on the trail today which does not happen very often. The laughter of children came from one of the open areas. As I rounded a bend, the girls were having a 'sisterly' competition to see who could make the best snow angel.
On the way back home, I drove into the Astotin parking lot. A large mule deer was grazing close to the golf course club house. It had no intention of having its photo taken today. Just as I was ready to snap the photo, the deer bolted behind the 'No Trespassing' sign. I wonder if it was trying to tell me something.
The elk were out along Highway 16. It is not often that they are out along the fence line. The herd was creating a distraction to the eastbound vehicles.
It didn't matter that the day was dull and grey. I completed my assignment and was just happy to be on a 'time out'.
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