Wind damage

Spruce Snapped by storm

We've had several  storms during the last week. They are isolated and some  had some intense winds. I never want to be driving through the forest when one of these wind storms pop up. There is little place to run to when all around you are trees and debris is flying through the air.
I generally stay out of pine and poplar tree areas when the wind gets much above 25 mph. These trees seem to loose branches easily and they are so tall it can be hard to see a top breaking off and falling toward you until it is down. The last trees to break off are Oaks it takes a pretty bad wind to knock one of these guys down.

 So I started thinking what would I do if I got caught driving or walking in the woods and a windstorm hit? If I was in the car and it wasn't too bad I would probably continue down the road cautiously and try to reach the house. If it got real bad I would look for an area that had less trees to fall and stop or best yet  get under one of the little bridges for shelter.

Walking is another story. If I was able to find shelter that would be great. If I was in middle of pines I would try to move out of them or find the biggest tree to stand near. If the tree falls and you are close to the base of it you can rotate around it away from

View from top of our hill

 or use the tree as a shield against other falling trees. After hearing about a lady in Genesse area being killed by a falling tree it does make you think. If any of you have suggestions I would love to hear them.
On the less dramatic side the third picture I took from the top of our hill. It is partly cloudy today with a chance of storms. To the left of this picture is where that mother bear and her cubs were eating raspberries.
The raspberries and huckleberries are gone. The blackberries are still coming on and are very delicious when you pick a nice ripe one. If you have to pull to hard to get them off, chances are

Blackberries ripening

they are not ripe. They turn a dark black color when you should test them. My dogs seem to like them as much as I do and of course so do the bears. I noticed many bear trails made next to the bushes as they push their way close to them to eat.The rain we have gotten from the storms has done little to the creek levels and they are still quite low so tubing is a lost cause. The woods for the most part is staying green and safe from fires so far. Have a great Leetonia day and stay away from falling trees. Mountain girl, Paula, logging off.

Blackberries and Black Bears

It's that time of year and the wild blackberries are numerous on the mountain this year. It takes a while to pick a pie's worth especially for me since I am a little more limited as to where I can climb this year.But a nice patch was close to the road on the way back to our pond and not much climbing was involved.

There are numerous spots were the bear have pushed their way through the scratchy plants to get their share of the tasty fruit. Bears don't seem to digest fruit well and when they eat the berries it comes out looking much the same as it went in only in large mushy piles. The piles are to be avoided stepping in and slipping. The smell and stain of the reprocessed berries are not pleasant.

While picking the berries I am keenly aware of the bears love of them and keep an ear and eye open. For such large creatures they can be amazingly quiet while eating and walking. Usually when finding a bear it is as much shock to him as it is to me. The bears so far have scooted off quickly at the sight of me. Although, in my turtle shell brace I do feel a little more vulnerable especially after Leo got smacked this June. Not the first time I have seen a black bear act aggressive but it was the first time they have challenged any of my dogs.

Well, it got down to 36 degrees last night. It is gradually creeping toward the freezing mark. I am sure my neighbor Mick has a fire going this morning. He seems to like it warm and he loves to cook on his cast iron stove. Lee is like a polar bear to her the weather is just right. I know I will be wearing a sweatshirt long before she agrees to start a fire in such warm weather. I am planning on making a pie out of these berries today and enjoying the fruits of the forest.

Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.