In early winter I ventured into the snow-covered Oak Savannah area of the eastern Columbia River Gorge. This is a favorite habitat of blacktail deer.
I wasn’t disappointed. Deer tracks were seemingly everywhere, as were deer beds, deer sign and areas where they had been feeding.
As I increased elevation on the east side of Catherine Creek, the snow became deeper. By the time it was 14 inches deep I had gained around 1,600 feet of elevation.
There were no signs of any other hikers, but still plenty of sign of deer and a few coyotes.
My hike was about eight miles in total, taking me close to the northern boundary of the Columbia Gorge Scenic Area.
And yes, I did spot 10 deer. I’m confident another dozen or so spotted me.
I nice day indeed!
Blacktail Deer feeding
Frosty Ponderosa Pine needles (notice the deer tracks)
Hoarfrost
Blacktail Deer bed (their body heat melts the snow)
Your Humble Scribe was taking a break on the lip of the canyon
Tracks: a bi-pedal predator and a Blacktail Deer
Blacktail Deer had been feeding alongside the Oak trees
Small pond
A stormy view up the Catherine Creek Canyon
Exciting! Nice pictures of the snow covered landscape. Here in South Africa, where I live, we only see snow upon high mountain peaks when it’s really cold. It’s our summer now with temperatures ranging from 30 – 37 ‘C – very hot. Enjoy the winter wonderland!
Thanks. I’m a long ways from the Equator in the Pacific Northwest. In fact, we’re above the 45th Parallel. Is there any part of South Africa below the 45th Parallel?
South Africa roughly lies between the 20th and 34th Parllel South of the Equator.
Love the pictures.
Ed Lyon
Community Director, FCA Ventura County
P.O. Box 6033, Ventura, CA 93006
805-746-4725
elyon@fca.org
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