Last outing of 2013

Decided to hit the woods on the last day of 2013.  A farewell send off of sorts.  And a welcoming of a new year with new possibilities...

Entering the treeline

still some snow/ice left from over a week ago

this picture does nothing for proportion.  This nest was huge.  Never saw what was in it.  It's the biggest one I've seen in Oklahoma

came across a small fatwood score.  a dead pinelimb that had just enough to help with a fire.

after that hunger began to set in so it was time to make a camp

wood/camp chores

now it's a party

a happy kiddo

now time for meat

a good way to relax and take in the afternoon

 

I'm really digging these llbean boots.  They are very light and comfortable.  Felt like I was wearing house slippers all day. 

after that we headed out of the trees and walked quite a spell on dirt road in hopes of spotting a deer.  No deer but we did take in the sunset through the trees.  Which is always a treat.

thanks for looking

SNOW DAY!

Well wouldn't you know it.  We got some snow and cold temps in Oklahoma.  I wasn't able to get a big outing in but anytime is certainly better than none.  I got out for a couple hours to enjoy a hot cup of tea.  Temps were in the mid teens.  Well let's get to the pics, making it into the tree line

rabbit tracks were everywhere, a long with dens

back edge of a lake

beaver carnage at the back end

another den with fresh sign in front

only bad thing about carrying a 3/4 axe with this pack is the handle sticking out the top hits branches and dumps snow down your back and neck when you're slipping through the trees.

found a naturally felled tree to use

sawed it up and then split it down

fire base

more prep

getting some kindling

for this fire I didn't mess around as I didn't have the time.  I used the ferro rod to light the birch bark, then I put the curls on that, followed by a piece of fatwood. 

then the twig bundle from cedar limbs

finger size kindling on top of that

went light with the canteen cup today

hot tea and homemade banana bread from the Mrs.  It was a very good combo

warming up before heading back out

the trail out took me back to the edge of the lake and then back into the trees

It was a nice time out enjoying the winterwonderland, they're few and far between most of the time here. 

thanks for looking!