With the first snowfall for this winter, I took my electric UTV out and did some exploring. The trails near by are quite isolated, so its just me and my kart out there. But I can never turn down going to explore out in the snow for a bit.
My UTV has four wheel drive and some good tires on it. So it took me as far as I needed to go and then I went out on foot.
But it all starts with getting dressed, got my best socks out for the adventure. Need to make sure my feet stay warm and dry.
Got my wool underwear, blaze orange clothing and warm socks. Just need my muckers, overall and jacket and I am ready to go. I wear orange, just in case there are hunters out there. Best to wear the right colors so they will see you.
Once I am all dressed I head off, I drive my UTV down the snowy roads until I reach the opening in the forest I want to explore.
A quick selfie before I get to walking.
The trees are covered in snow, much of it stays as its below freezing at the time of my hike.
I find a path to take, and watch closely for tracks in the snow. Instead I come across a spider.
Looks like maybe a wolf spider or a recluse. It is just sitting on top of the snow, its not dead. I think its waiting for something to crawl by for it to eat.
I head deeper into the woods, keeping an eye on both sides and behind my back once in awhile. This is black bear country. We got real big ones.
The trail has some downed trees along the way, I can climb under some. But I do not want to get too covered in snow, as when it unfreezes its quite cold.
I find a mountain laurel in the woods, it is an evergreen so it still has its leaves.
Its been fun walking down the snow covered trails. I heard lots of sounds out in the woods, mostly the wind. And I had one encounter with a coyote or maybe a fox. Though I did not get a picture of it, looked like a small brown dog that ran up to me. Kept its distance around 15 feet, and then ran off. When it did run, it had a big bushy tail. So I think it was something wild. It was probably just curious about me, did not feel threatened. As it only hung around just long enough get a good look and maybe smell me.. lol
I love how the trees look along the trail, the snow gives them such a cool aesthetic.
Eventually I turn back and just follow my tracks. It was just me the whole time, besides my one little furry encounter. I did see some deer tracks, but they were nearly snowed in. So I missed them by a few hours from the looks of it.
I head back home and relax, enjoy the snow from the window. It was fun going out in it for a bit, but glad to be back in my warm home now.