More Hill Clean Up

 Can you tell how smushed and eaten everything is getting?

 There are still a lot of thorny brambles and roses to go, and this corner is quite thick.

 MORE VIDEO of the goats at work.

After last nights frost, I waited a little to let the ice melt before we came to the hill to eat. Always worried about bloat with the first frozen field of Fall.

 The goats are definitely making headway with all sorts of paths on the hill.

Its still quite thick and high at the top.

No worries about running out of browse yet.

The leaves came tumbling off the trees this morning.

See the fresh pile on the tree line?

THAT is Fall!

Pond Hill Clean Up

Remember when I mentioned that a cat can be a big distraction to the goats?

Not sure if you can see that the majority of the herd is staring down Mia.

She slunk into the weeds from their stare, even though there is a fence between them.

Today was another clear, blue sky day, but when we went up to the hill, the surface of the water bucket had ice on it for the first time.

The leaves should be turning fast now.

 The goats worked as a herd the whole day, browsing as a team.

I imagine one more day and they will have thinned things pretty well for the tractor to finish the job for the winter clean up.

Everyone is growing a thicker coat of fur, and getting plenty of fresh, protein filled weeds and grasses before winter really takes hold.

 As you can see, the all-you-can-eat buffet is well stock for these goats.

This Side Of Fall

 

 Fall is moving slowly into our woods and fields.

A few trees are yellow tipped, and one or two are showing some lovely orange, but we have yet to see an eye popping landscape.

In the background, you can see a bit of color, and the chickens add some Fall color too.

Mia just wants to get in on the act.

I have a small supply of pumpkins and gourds to decorate in and around the house, even though I feel certain we will loose the pumpkins to a hungry animal (called deer).

I am "feeding" them one at a time so that we can stretch the enjoyment as much as possible.

 Nature is adding its muted color too, adding to the "antiqueness" of the farm.

I hope you are taking in the beauty of the season while it lasts.

Bring Me Your Poor, Tired Trees

OK! Not all of you are going to hop in a truck, train or plane to bring me your tree. However, there most likely is a good place nearby to give your tree another purpose. 

Over at Brooklyn Feed , Martha blogs about Mulch Your Christmas Tree! (On the Pond Farm is mentioned. Yay!!) and has the link for the NY Mulchfest this week-end.  We have the same thing locally through our Loyalhanna Watershed Association (drop them off in the designated area at the Country Market field), so don't let those old trees blow around and rot when they can have one more purpose.

Here, of course, we use them for goat entertainment.  Speckles is very happy!

First they are eaten and then they become hay racks. 

 We are already well into our second or third tree per field. 

I just had to haul this nice big one over this morning, and the girls were most pleased. Do you see Twee's nice udder(on the right)? We are watching for her to kid in the next few days.  Her belly is down to her knees!

As you can see, we have a bit of snow on the ground. Even more of an issue is the wind chill although the sun has taken turns coming in and out. See the ripples on the pond?

I will admit to being blown around in the alley this morning, and I am no feather!! But Jock loves this weather and he needs his walks. Yes. Even when its 19 degrees out side and feels like -2. 

"A tired dog is a good dog."

Focus On The Yellow Tree

These shots were taken today, but over the course of several moments as I was working and walking. Didn't get the "perfect" shot, but wanted to share the morning's fixation - and the blue sky!

Falling Fast

Morning mist

Mt. Rainier National Park - The Green and Mean Side

We were lucky to have a sunny weekday to explore. Plan to avoid the week-ends if you can.From the Mt. Rainier National Park site:

The current snowline is around 5000 feet. Due to heavy snowfall this past winter (2010-2011), melt-out is not expected until sometime in August.

For this reason we did not get to hike the meadows, but there was still plenty to do and see. Amazingly, flowers were blooming heartily next to the piles of snow along the roads and trails.

Cougar Rock. Do you see it?

Silver Falls - A beautiful hike!

This bear was browsing on the side of the road.
VIDEO OF BEAR BELOW SUNRISE AT MT. RAINIER NP.

Cascade Mountain Fox
We aren't supposed to see this fox, but they are coming to people for food.
This one was carrying a chunk of bread.

Grove of the Patriarchs

VIDEO OF SILVER FALLS

See the National Park site for more information.
http://www.nps.gov/mora/index.htm