Back to Autumn - Our World

Today, our world meandered back toward autumn as the snow melted on the ground in our neck of the woods. However, you can see the mountains behind Shyla - they have entered their nine months of winter.

I was so happy to see that some aspens hung onto their leaves through yesterday's storms. This one even had my coveted red leaves!

Today, my breathing was terrible. I always suffer from some asthma - but it rarely slows me down much. I have an inhaler that I use a few dozen times per year. Today, I had it out way too many times. I felt as if my lungs were refusing to expand to take in air - perhaps the snow intensified something that I'm allergic to (just a guess). Needless to say, we didn't go far during our morning outing.

However, we did check a wildlife camera, and we discovered that there had been a flurry of activity recently.

First, a mountain lion came through. I was thrilled to see him. Perhaps new mountain lions are moving into our territory to make up for our "missing" lions. I wished the cam had captured a better view so I could see if he had any identifying marks.

Next, a very healthy and fat bear passed by.

That night, a red fox posed for the camera. We never have had red foxes consistently in our neck of the woods until this year, and I'm thrilled about it!

Early the next morning, a coyote stood regally in front of the camera. He blends into the world so perfectly.

And, finally, that big fat bear came past the cam again a few days later. I wonder if this bear is fat enough to consider hibernating soon.

That parade of animals made me smile and smile. I love living in a place where we have a diversity of carnivores moving quietly among us - and we rarely see them.

I'm sure that our dogs smell them every day. This golden aspen grove was close to the cam, and I find myself wondering what it's like for a dog who knows what animals have been around by using her nose.

Happy Friday.