My grand-daughters have been here and it has been a great week for outdoor activities. We took the kicksled to a trail, went ice skating at an outdoor rink, tried out the x-country skis and went sledding. There were lots of rosy cheeks and runny noses.


The trail visit was our first outing. We stopped for snacks in the forest. On the way we saw moose tracks and a spot where a moose lay down for a rest. At the bench we saw moose hair on the snow beneath a spot where it rub...bed against a tree. We heard chickadees sing their 'cheeseburger songs'. 
 

When we continued into the forest we saw squirrel and mouse tracks on the snow. Coyotes left prints alongside the trail. It looked like it had been tracking a hare. The hare prints led into the trees.


Our first trek down a hill with the sled resulted in some skillful maneuvering to miss the moose poop on the trail. The girls were laughing pretty hard when they saw what I was trying to avoid.


We found a big hill and we needed to try going down it a couple of times on the sled. After the 2km trail was completed, both girls were laid out making snow angels to have a little rest.


Our remaining outings to the outdoor rink and the sledding hill were filled with fresh air and laughter. Every morning we would decide what activities we would do and head out for at least 3 hours in the fresh air.


There were things to see in the backyard as well. The pileated woodpecker made daily visits to the feeder outside the patio door. The deer came to raid the hanging feeders. The chickadees, jays and smaller woodpeckers took turns at the suet.


What a great week it has been for us. The weather cooperated and the girls love being outside just as much as I do.


2016 will soon be over. It was a year for me to try some new activities. A kickbike and a kayak were added to my arsenal of outdoor gear. I'm hoping to use them even more in the upcoming year.


May 2017 be filled with many outdoor adventures for all. Happy New Year!