Last work week of 2011

Monday:  started out a bit cool, but when working on the trails we like the cool weather. 

replaced a trail sign..

the sun came out at about 1:00 and it started to get warm...  we run into downed trees that are beyond our pay grade...  so we take pictures and send them to our supervisor!

we really love it here..  the job is what we wanted, the area is great and wonderful people to work with, what more could we ask for??

the neighbors dog got out of the gate this afternoon, everyone was out looking for it.  Eric and I spotted it on the other side of the fence and talked it into coming in the side gate.  everyone was happy!
 gave us a chance to talk to everyone..
Tuesday: when we got to the visitor center this morning there was a dead bobcat on the garbage!

they put it in a box and asked us to dispose of it in the woods..

we started to clear the trail when we heard (what we think were) coyotes.  they seemed to be a bit further away then our dead bobcat but..  we assumed they found it and was feasting on it.  lots of howls and noises in the woods.  at one point a (again we assume) wild dog was barking at Eric, he did not get a visual on it but it was pretty close and in the woods.  I got my trusty knife out just in case he needed help.  the dog left on its own.  on our way back for lunch we were walking and found some fresh entails on the path.  we (again) assumed it was from our dead bobcat.  it was not there when we walked up the path, so when we got to the place where we placed the dead bobcat, Eric looked to see what had happened.  well nothing had touched it!  so our new theory is the dog had something and was protecting it?  always something happening in the woods!

 this tree was laying in the path..but Eric took care of it!

went to a BBQ place with some other volunteers.  great food, pulled pork, beef brisket and smoked sausage and lots of sides.. 

Wednesday  (last work day of 2011):   on our way to work this morning the sky had a big hole in it!

obviously we have a few theories..  Eric seemed to think he was being called to heaven!  NOT..  I suspect the Mother Ship made a hole in the clouds and has landed somewhere on the refuge.  maybe to pick up our dead bob cat?? 

the rest of the day was the usual trail stuff..  we still have not finished all of the trails.  maybe next week. we try to keep the ones that are used the most in really good shape. the others are hike-able but need a bit more pruning and one is not passable yet.. we are getting close.  the Winter Texans should be out in full force next week.

armidillo getting a drink of water..

we did see a couple of road runners but they are too fast to get a pic!

heading to Houston tomorrow to spend the weekend with brother Ray.

Happy New Year.. be safe..