In winter I try not to disturb the salamanders, who are sleeping down in the cold mud, waiting for spring. But on a warm day I still turn over stones and logs, hoping to see a snake or a salamander.
It was in the 50s today, so I was hopeful. I’d already found several earthstars in various stages, and enjoyed the witch hazel in orange, curly bloom.
I turned over lots of rocks next to the creek, and nothing.
Finally, I saw a salamander just as she escaped down a crawdad hole. Dangit. I was too slow to get a photo. So I told the mountain that if I could photograph just one salamander, I’d stop turning stones and bothering all the winter sleepers. Just one!
And wouldn’t you know it, the mountain obliged!
So very odd, this winter. I really hope we don’t get a nasty run of cold to kill everything back.
I meant wintercress yesterday. Autocorrect strikes again!
Wintercress, yes! I’m looking for that out here, too. We love it first thing when it comes up, but it can get spicy once it’s been growing for a month or two (then I’m the only one who eats it, ha).
Moving mountains again💜
Moving mountains one tiny bit at a time, and trying to put each bit back politely. 😉