Crashing Trees!

I surprised even myself yesterday, when I embarked on my run in the woods. Here was the weather report:

"Variable clouds and very windy with light snow flurries possible. High 28F, feels like 12F. Winds NW at 40 to 60 mph."

No snow flurries, but an otherwise accurate weather report. It was awful. Sydney and I took off and headed into the trees...somewhat sheltered from the wind's force. The climb out of the river valley is now solid ice...it's like climbing a frozen waterfall. As I arrived at the tree line, Mother Nature was displaying her power in full force. The really slippery sections in the icy path were treacherous. The wind would actually blow me across the sections. So I was careful to stay as "off the beaten path" as possible; which meant I was ankle deep in snow.

Now that alot of the snow has melted away, Sydney is able to sniff out small rodents and the like and she was occupied in her hunting expedition, and less nervous about the roar of the wind. I kept my head down and headed back towards the tree line as quickly as I could (which wasn't very quick...there's about a mile of very exposed prairie to cross). As I was looking down, I actually saw a spider walking across the snow! Those signs of life are generally a few months away...so it must be warm under the snow or something.

Once I was back on the path and following the trees I was a little more sheltered---but it was amazing to be outside with wind blowing that hard. The "feels like" temperature is so bone-chilling! Anyway, about 4 miles into my circuit is where I head back down to the river at the North end of the park...it's a twisty downhill (with one of those caution signs). Suddenly, I heard this SNAP! then a BAM! Approximately 40 feet from where I was standing and about 10 feet away from the Scrapper, a BIG tree came crashing down with a loud thud! I've never seen anything like it. I put my feet in "riding a surfboard" position, and slid down the hill with a tailwind. Ice is everywhere...even hidden under what looks like snow. There were many trees blown down throughout the park...but that was the first time I'd ever seen one fall.

Anyway---guess today is supposed to be a good one with mild winds and warmer temps. Have a great day!