Beginning clear with clouds moving in from the north and west later in the afternoon. Temperatures not above freezing during the day. Light winds. Snow started falling very late.
I spent part of the afternoon out and about. I did drive out to Silver Bay, but didn’t stop and take any pictures.
There was only one vehicle at Verstovia trailhead. I’ve been meaning to start doing some uphill walking on a more regular basis. Time will tell if I manage consistency, but today was a start, at least.
I’m not sure I went up Verstovia trail even once last year. It’s possible I went up to the first viewpoint in the spring, but I didn’t do any summer or fall hikes.
In the salmonberry thicket just up from the start of the trail, I noticed a flock of juncos foraging through. I pished a bit, and several of them popped up to check me out. They were more vocal than they often are in response as well. I wonder if it’s partly seasonal (i.e., they’re getting more aggressive as hormones ramp up for spring).
Verstovia trail starts going up right away. The stretches that are closer to level last only a few steps, not enough to catch my breath.
I wasn’t feeling ambitious. I just wanted to get a start going up, so I took it relatively easy walking about halfway to the first viewpoint (which is at 800ft). Even so, it was enough to get me breathing hard, my heart pumping hard, and even sweating in the chilly temperatures.
Where I stopped I noticed a blueberry bush with open buds. Looking closely, I think at least one of the flowers may have been damaged by this cold weather.
It looks to me like this flower has been damaged by the cold
The open buds made me consider temperatures on the slope. Generally temperatures drop with altitude. However, I think sometimes during clear weather there can be a temperature inversion. I am considering setting an ibutton or three at various points along the trail. It would probably be most interesting in winter, but wouldn’t hurt to get them started sooner.
I had not noticed on the way up, but on the way down it was apparent to me temperatures dropped as I got lower. Perhaps a large part of it was entering a section of more fully closed canopy where the sun was blocked from warming things at the ground level.
By the time I came got down, the stratus clouds were getting close to town.
I drove out the Halibut Point road as far as Kerr’s island to take a look at various spots. A Red-necked Grebe was seen earlier in the day at Kerr’s island, but my first of the year will have to wait.
Seas were very calm. With little wind today, there was only ripples on the water. I think the large waves offshore have died down, so minor pulses of surge came in at the shore.
Between my feeling-off day, the sunny weather, and the low tides, I’ve not managed to keep up with my intended daily tasks related to catching up with photojournals and iNaturalist observations. The weather is changing, and tides are no longer getting so low, so I should be able to get back on track.
My iNaturalist Observations for Today
