Yesterday afternoon I explored my backyard which takes me through the forest to the rim of Transept Canyon on the North Rim.
The previous night at sunset I’d seen the light through the trees and shining on a building. Plus if you look closely a Mule deer browsing.
Turns out to be the old unused mule barn. I live nearby the wranglers who lead mule rides a little ways into the canyon on the North Kaibab Trail.
A social trail runs past it into the forest skirting a small gully. The forest floor is carpeted with crispy needles. No snow around and it’s dry. Of course it’s suppose to snow tomorrow.
Then I’m headed towards Transept Canyon.
I saw a few plants flowering along the way. The yellow Barberry also known as Mahoney and Oregon Grape. Plus the tiny Lousewort.
The Gambel Oak hasn’t started to leaf out yet and completely obstruct the view.
I didn’t go far along the Transept Trail as a chill wind blew. The wind in the pines sounds like waves crashing on the shore. But gusts, like today’s predicted up to 55mph, brings pine cones down with mighty force. Very startling on an RV roof. Also a possibility of snow tonight.
Then found were the social trail returned me to the barn and home. Look closely and you can see my RV through the trees to the right.
A huge snag behind my RV appears to house quite a few birds. I fleetingly saw, and heard, a couple different woodpeckers. Robins hoping around. A hummingbird zinged by. Stellar Jays flitting about. I’m going to have to practice photographing birds.
I love the peace and quiet that occurs before the North Rim is open to the public.