Taking the "Otter" Road

Last night, late, I was on my way home from Stoddard.  I had taken the back roads through Gilsum, and Surry.  There in my headlights, a beautiful creature, I'd not seen for years.  Very handsome, as his undulating bounce brought him closer.  I stopped the truck, as he was right beside the truck.  I got a great chance to see this Otter up close.  I gazed at him, and he at me.  I told him we was a very beautiful creature.  Indeed, he was dry, which made his coat most magnificent.   He quickly scampered down the bank, into a small stream.

I had originally taken the Joslin Rd., only to find it closed due to bridge construction.  I am so thankful, that this detour brought me to the next road, and the opportunity to see the Otter.

Time to Draw The Line

For some time now, well since my last post, last year, I've been annoyed by a person who has essentially stalked me since my officer days, five plus years ago. It is in part the reason I haven't posted for so long.  In this post, I will address her and clearly outline the law for her understanding.  I know that she reads my blog, because she has told me so.   As recently as today, she drove past my house at 1:45 p.m.  She drives by my house at least once a day, driving either a Doritos truck, a light blue Saab, or a maroon SUV.  I doubt that she has a legitimate reason to drive County Rd, as there are better roads to take her through my town, nevertheless she does.  She has over the course of many years, given me unwelcome gifts, driven into my dooryard, left a gift between my doors, and even called my home phone at least twice that I'm aware of.  Years ago, I mailed her a letter telling her that I was not interested in any kind of relationship with her.  Yet to this day, she continues to "bug" me. 

So Karen Belcourt, without further adieu, take due notice that what you are doing is stalking.  Stalking is a crime.  Read the statute below as many times as you need, to fully understand.  Once you have absorbed the statute, be it here and forever known that I do not want any further communication, contact, or otherwise with you.  If I see you pass my house on a continued basis, receive phone calls(whether you talk or not, will be identified by Caller ID), or show up in my driveway as you are wont to do, I will march right down to Cheshire County Superior Court and file for a Stalking Order.  It would be prudent of you to heed my warning. Please pay particular attention to the cites I have highlighted for your edification.  I demand you to stop appearing at my house, or calling me, or leaving things on my property, etc. 

TITLE LXII
CRIMINAL CODE

CHAPTER 633
INTERFERENCE WITH FREEDOM

Section 633:3-a

    633:3-a Stalking. –
    I. A person commits the offense of stalking if such person:
       (a) Purposely, knowingly, or recklessly engages in a course of conduct targeted at a specific person which would cause a reasonable person to fear for his or her personal safety or the safety of a member of that person's immediate family, and the person is actually placed in such fear;
       (b) Purposely or knowingly engages in a course of conduct targeted at a specific individual, which the actor knows will place that individual in fear for his or her personal safety or the safety of a member of that individual's immediate family; or
(c) After being served with, or otherwise provided notice of, a protective order pursuant to RSA 173-B, RSA 458:16, or paragraph III-a of this section, or an order pursuant to RSA 597:2 that prohibits contact with a specific individual, purposely, knowingly, or recklessly engages in a single act of conduct that both violates the provisions of the order and is listed in paragraph II(a).
    II. As used in this section:
       (a) "Course of conduct'' means 2 or more acts over a period of time, however short, which evidences a continuity of purpose. A course of conduct shall not include constitutionally protected activity, nor shall it include conduct that was necessary to accomplish a legitimate purpose independent of making contact with the targeted person. A course of conduct may include, but not be limited to, any of the       following acts or a combination thereof:
          (1) Threatening the safety of the targeted person or an immediate family member.
          (2) Following, approaching, or confronting that person, or a member of that person's immediate family.
          (3) Appearing in close proximity to, or entering the person's residence, place of employment, school, or other place where the person can be found, or the residence, place of employment or school of a member of that person's immediate family.
          (4) Causing damage to the person's residence or property or that of a member of the person's immediate family.
          (5) Placing an object on the person's property, either directly or through a third person, or that of an immediate family member.
          (6) Causing injury to that person's pet, or to a pet belonging to a member of that person's immediate family.
          (7) Any act of communication, as defined in RSA 644:4, II.
       (b) "Immediate family'' means father, mother, stepparent, child, stepchild, sibling, spouse, or grandparent of the targeted person, any person residing in the household of the targeted person, or any person involved in an intimate relationship with the targeted person.
    III. For purposes of this section, a person who engages in acts which would constitute stalking after having been advised by a law enforcement officer as defined in RSA 630:1, II that the person's acts were in violation of this chapter, or a person who has been served with a protective order issued pursuant to paragraph III-a of this section, shall be presumed to have acted knowingly.

Hunkered

15” at my house, my big snowblower can barely move the heavy wet snow.  So I’ll wait awhile and try again.  No matter, I’m not going anywhere.  If I do, it’ll be on my snowshoes.  Evvy has already been out loving every minute of playing in the snow.  Thankfully, I had power all night long.  Good thing because my generator just will not work.  Something dreadfully wrong in the carbuerator.

So here is the “snowfish” late last night.

This morning, the snow fish looks more like a manatee, can you see it?

Here is Merle all hunkered down in my jacket.  At 17 yrs. young, Merle is quite spry, and holds her own against the other two cats.  In fact, they pretty much leave her alone.  Casey the cat to the right, can often be seen licking Merle’s head. 

As soon as I’m adequately caffeinated, I’m going to grab the snowshoes for a romp in the woods.  I’ll check the game camera, but I’m certain the deer are holed up somewhere waiting to the snow to melt alittle more.  What a crazy weather event, but beautiful nevertheless.

Fall Finds

 I picked up a game camera this fall, and could'nt wait to watch potential hunting spots.  The first two shots are at "undisclosed location #1"  They are undisclosed because there are two good looking bucks there. I don't want to share the spot with the rest of the world.  One is an 8-pointer, the other is a 4-pointer, then there is this guy.  Still in velvet, maybe he'll turn into a 4 ptr.?  I'll have to set the camera back out and see how he's coming along.  Now that Bow season is well underway, he may have sought more secure concealment.

 This little guy was captured on film at "Undisclosed Location #2". While I was hunting for bear.  I chose not to take him, because he's just a little guy.  He might be 70#.  I had also hoped to see some more bucks, but they would not likely hang around where the bears are.

Here's a good look at the little bear.  He was very curious about the camera, and I'm glad he decided not to chew on it.   I was thrilled to get this picture of him.  

As firearm season approaches, I will set the camera out again, at "Undisclosed Location #3".  I haven't actually decided where that will be yet.  I may try the woods behind my house where I got the doe last year, or maybe I'll check the woods near my sister's house in Stoddard.  It would be neat to catch a Moose on the camera too.
Though I am NOT a fan of gray, cold days once I get into it, I do more hiking and observing.  Less of my usual exercise regime; running.  Running in the cold, in lots of sweaty layers, does absolutely nothing for me.  Besides Evvy enjoys the hikes as much as I do.  She doesn't run with me, unless we trail run.  And, BTW....the ticks seem to have gotten a second wind.  I found one on me, and one on Evvy the other day.  We had been tick-free for the entire summer!

Bald Hill Hike - Bellows Falls, VT

Bald Hill in Bellows Falls, VT is not bald at all. Early this morning Evvy and I hiked Bald Hill, which part of the Windmill Hill Pinnacle Association conservation easements. There are other such easements nearby in Putney.

I didn't find any great views at the top. New growth trees have taken over the landscape, mostly Maples and Hemlocks. The trail itself was very steep in places, especially down near Twin Falls. After exploring the top of Bald Hill, I decided follow some of the little trails around the hill. One led to a cemetery, on Cemetery Rd., what else? Another trail led to Union High School. Still another, led to the perilous Twin Falls. This is where we did most of our exploring.

Here Evvy appears very majestic as she contemplates a swim

When I first arrived at this spot, I was amazed by the shear violence of the water falls. Basins had been formed in the rock over thousands of years. Though it looked like an attractive place to jump in, you can not see the bottom. You can also not predict the currents beneath.

The Twin Falls have been a fateful swimming hole for years. I recall one such fatality years ago, when a Keene High School student drowned here. As I looked at the swells, I could imagine the adventurous youth who have swam in these waters. Personally, I could feel the allure of the 15-20' leap, but with age comes wisdom. Swimming there would not be a good idea. Upstream there were calmer waters. The falls seem to reach out, hypnotize onlookers. The violent churning drew me so close to the edge of the perilous rocks. Evvy was also entranced, and I feared she would fall in. I told her if she fell, I would not jump in. Let's face it, it would be foolhardy. I would have to catch up with her downstream, if she emerged from the maestrom.

A small sign directs the way to the falls. Walking down to the falls was perilous itself in places. Slippery rocks, and ground kept me alert to say the least. Well worn paths led along the river for some way. There were obvious spots for jumping off. Each precipous equally as dangerous, a thrill-seekers heaven. For the most part I have outgrown thrillseeking when I am alone, especially without a cellphone. But he thought was there. I imagined plunging in. Then I thought if I survived, I would be shocked into reality by the freezing cold water. Would Evvy follow me? Not good.

I saw many mushrooms, which I have yet to identify. I saw two snakes, one quite large, Ribbon Snake, close to three feet long with bright yellow stripes down its back. The snake was stretched out in a sunny spot on the trail. The other snake was a Garter, much smaller. I also found these neat fragile flowers clinging to the cliff at the falls. How ironic such a fine lacey flower should dwell in such a violent environment.

After exploring the falls sufficiently. I chose to follow a narrow path along the river, back toward the trailhead. The path veered sharply up the hill to a main trail. This trail was so steep, I had to scale it on all fours! Very, very slippery going. If my parents knew where I was, and the conditions, they would be shaking their heads no doubt. The extent of my thrillseeking.

Still I took great satisfaction in the workout itself. Poor Evvy was breathing quickly. Evvy with her sure-footedness easily ran up the steep incline. At last at the top of the bank, we headed back down to the truck. I would recommend this hike for the thrills, for swimming(upstream of the falls), and lots of photo opportunities. I took many more photos than I was able to download here.

Looking upstream, to where the water is more tame and suitable for swimming. A perfect mix of woods, and water, wonder and danger.

Spring Arrives

Nest of Sparrows in my front yard

I have been a poor correspondent of late. I've gotten involved with various projects, including editing the New Hampshire Wildlife Federation Newsletter. Editing and publishing has brought me into the past when I was a graphic artist for a small computer journal company back in the 80's. At any rate I do enjoy the creative aspects of laying out an appealing newsletter. To top it off, I can write articles too! The first issue will be out this month.

Cordyalis flower growing on moss covered granite

My woodland wanderings have been challenging lately, with the very steamy weather we've been having. Day after day of 80-90 degree days, followed by severe damaging storms. A dangerous storm broke loose yesterday in Keene. There were trees down everywhere, glass patio tables lifted into the air and dropped. Thankfully, in Walpole I didn't find any damage. I never lost power, nor did I have any fallen trees on my property. In Stoddard, folks did not fare as well. I believe power is still out as I write this.

Aside from the weather, I have had to contend with the ticks! Every day I'm finding those creepy crawlies on me or on my dog. I have not been bitten, but Evvy has. I have been religious about applying "Frontline" to Evvy, though I'm not crazy about putting pyrethrins on her. The ticks bite her, but they die almost immediately, then I just pluck them off. I have found ticks everywhere, but primarily at the edges of fields, roadways, and woods boundaries. Whenever I go for a hike with Evvy, I apply the bug dope with DEET in it to my socks and shoes, my boonie hat, and clothes. I always take a shower immediately after each hike. I also hose Evvy off, and brush her. I believe we have managed to keep the ticks to a minimum despite a tick bloom of monstrous proportions this year. I found an informative segment on ticks and Lyme disease on www.WMUR.com. I was shocked by the number of complications caused by Lyme disease, and other infections also present in ticks.

Evvy and I tend to hike in areas where there is little ground cover, such as worn trails, or where the canopy prevents shrubbery from growing. My theory is there are fewer ticks in those areas. I will not walk in fields anymore, especially if they haven't been mowed. I like to encourage Evvy to take a swim any time we are near water. A couple of days ago, we went for a good hike though temperatures were well into the 90's. By the time we got home, Evvy was so exhausted, panting more rapidly than usual. I put ice in her water bowl, taking care that she not drink too fast, or two much. I rubbed ice on top of her head, until the panting slowed. It wasn't very long before she recovered. She was done for the day, sprawled out on the floor.

I have not seen a lot of game myself, but friends have seen Bear, Moose, and Deer. The only deer I've seen have been those that jump into the road in front of me. When I drive in areas where I know there are deer, I tap on my horn all the way through. Honking the horn has saved me a couple of times already - Rte 9 in Roxbury.

Walking through the Brambles

We (me and Evvy) began our hike off a woods road in Walpole and runs to Surry. There is a wonderful deer camp out there. A long retired travel trailer sits atop granite ledge. The spot boasts of a granite patio with large fire ring. There not one, but two outhouses. The "shitter" below is the deluxe version complete with house phone purely for aesthetic value, various shit house jokes on the wall, and fancy facade. I took great pleasure in escaping the massive swarms of black flies, to make a pit stop.


The whole place has a magical feel to it. There is a path that leads down to a brook. A footbridge crosses a natural granite canal, then it takes you to an interesting spot. Now this looks like a place where sacrifices are made. Another fire ring, and places to sit.

Another path, referred to as the "Psycho Path", leads to a food plot. I decided to look around for deer stands. I found two, one on the ground permanently attached to the trunk of a tree. Another stand, a broken climber left on the ground to rust and die. I didn't look further, but I assume there are old stands all around the food plot. A nice play to hunt to be sure. In the past I have seen an 8 pointer in this area.

The Grand Shitter - a 5 cent fee is charged for seat sanitization.















House phone, grass toilet roll, and five cent fee.

After our thorough exploration of the camp, Evvy and I continued up the trail. I waited for Evvy to work her "antler locator" skills. Evvy was at first content to look for chipmunks, as they are her faves. So I just kept my out for anything that looked like bone.

I came upon a dead porcupine, first spotting the tufts of soft belly fur, entangled with tiny quills. At first, I thought I'd found a cat, because the fur was so incredibly soft. But no cat has quills over course. Then I found the dried up carcass laying there, about 15' away. The remains were complete with skull, spine and all four legs. But skin would have been useless to save. The perp, likely a Fisher, rolled it over and ate from the bottom side up. I scooped up the skull, and placed it inside a discarded milk jug I found.

We came upon a granite ridge. I had not seen this before in other hikes. The last winter wind storms, thoroughly cleared the trees from the ridge. Old Moose sign was everywhere, so I was hopeful we would find an antler. Evvy didn't come through with an antler, but she did find a scapula. It was the size of a large canoe paddle. So, since she was quite satisfied with her treasure, she would be unavailable for finding antlers.


On my own again, I searched and searched through "the pricker bushes", for the elusive antlers. But alas, it was not to be. I emerged with bloody scratches all over my legs. I'll tell people my cats went into a frenzy, and attacked me. The sun was setting, I was getting hungry, so we worked our way back to the truck. The search continues another day.