Critter Alley

Critter Alley

Sunday, January 23, 2011

A Day at the Saint

On Saturday, Hubby and I made a run to the St. Francis. For those of you new to Critter Alley, we own a very small piece of property on that gorgeous granite bouldered river, and enjoy spending time there whenever  possible. What with the busy holiday season, and bad weather galore, it's been months since we've been able to check on things. So when the weatherman predicted Saturday as an in-between-all-the-snowstorms day, we took the opportunity to get things done at the river.

We were lucky. The temperature rose to over 32 degrees. What little snow lay on the ground (snowfall has been much lighter there) soon began to disappear.

The landscape is still dotted with many trees down from the terrible wind shears of nearly two years ago. We're slowly getting them cut and split. Santa brought Hubby a new chainsaw, and it got quite a workout. We won't run short of firewood anytime soon!
















Winter dampness permeated everything. It took a little doing, but soon the first campfire of 2011 blazed warm as an old friend.


We burned leaves, brush, and scrap wood. The heavy smoky scent rolled through crisp air, reminding me of how good it feels to spend time outdoors again. Spring is one day closer.

But whether it's spring, summer, fall, or winter, the Saint always looks beautiful. Here's a few shots of her cold weather face...







As you can see, a critter or two used the snow covered frozen edge of the Saint as a pathway. It wasn't Indy. We left him behind. He's still not speaking to us.

Once daylight turned to dusk, we packed up our equipment and headed for home. Despite the stiff aches and pains of muscles that haven't been used in a while, we felt good. Spring is coming, and our day's ritual of preparation is the first step.

Lady Spring...I know she's lurking at the edges of all this cold, snow, and ice, watching and waiting to work her magic. I've missed her. How I'm looking forward to seeing that woman again!

24 comments:

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

What great scenery!

Thanks for sharing it!

Anonymous said...

Wow! That is a gorgeous piece of property y'all have there! :D

Enjoy!

Waggin at ya,
Roo

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

That is an astoundingly beautiful place. Love the smell of wood smoke!!!

THANKS for sharing... AND for reminding us that Spring is One Day Closer..

Linda O'Connell said...

So glad you could get out and enjoy. We used to camp at St. Francis State Park is that anywhere near? You are blessed to have property to go to. I love long walks in the woods.

Anonymous said...

Looks heavenly...Glad you enjoyed the day.

Elaine Pritchard said...

Hurry up Lady Spring, I say.

CreekHiker / HollysFolly said...

What a gorgeous outing!

Lisa Ricard Claro said...

Beautiful! No wonder you love it so. What a wonderful getaway place.

Two French Bulldogs said...

Sure looks beautiful and quite peaceful
Benny & Lily

adam said...

gorgeous pictures of the river! striking

Lynn said...

Your property looks absolutely gorgeous. Being a rock fan, I know I'd love that place. Beautiful pictures!

Sioux Roslawski said...

Great photos--especially the third one of the river.

Brandon - The dog with a blog said...

What wonderful pictures, looks like a great view!

The Daily Pip said...

Wow, you are lucky to have such a beautiful place to visit. Enjoy!

Your pal, Pip

Cattis said...

Wonderful! Isn't it really nice to have spring one day closer.

BECKY said...

Beautiful photos, Pat. I've never been in that area. Thanks for sharing.

Tammy said...

In the meantime, you managed to make even Lady Winter look pretty good!

Peggy Frezon said...

I love the animal tracks in the snow. Fun to think about who went there!

Donna Volkenannt said...

Lovely! That is such a beautiful part of Missouri, and I imagine a place that fills your imagination.
Donna V.
http://donnasbookpub.blogspot.com

Ann Summerville said...

Looks peaceful. I expect you enjoy the different seasons there.
Ann

Arran, Arthur and Mum said...

It does look very beautiful. Roll on spring!
~lickies, Ludo

Terri Tiffany said...

It's beautiful!!!

Alittlesprite said...

OH! It looks gorgeous! What a lovely place.

An English Shepherd said...

Looks like a lovely wild place :-)

Wizz