Snow from Manly to Murdocksville

The weekend winter storm marked the first snowfall since

our temporary stay in Manly (north Southern Pines) began

last February 29. We love snow, wherever we may be, and

enjoyed a neighborhood stroll once the precip had stopped.

Judy's familiar swing and chiminea look just as much at home
here as they did in her prayer garden at the Murdocksville home.

We like the looks of our cozy little snow-dipped "town house."

Like most folks locally, our winter coating was very shallow,
but it only takes a little to make a winter wonderland.

The playground is on hold until everything thaws-- which should be
in about 15 minutes.

We are making the most of living near horse country,
so an afternoon tour was in order.
The horses weren't out, but the fences and fields made
for some beautiful sights.

As they say, "There's no place like home."

We may not have a house  in Murdocksville, but

one day we'll be back there.  I couldn't resist a visit

to see what the storm had created there.  These scenes

were three days after the snow, so a lot had departed.

Obviously no one had walked on our wetland boardwalk since
the snow fell.

Obviously?? Maybe I should say no human!
Here's my theory.  The tracks on the right are some small game
animal, perhaps a squirrel.
The tracks on the left are actually about the size of a child's fist.
I believe they're from a bobcat, which we had seen on this property
before.  Larger prints than a housecat by far, but no claw marks,
which rule out a dog.
I think the bobcat may have been in pursuit of something that had
passed this way earlier.  No sign of a chase, so they didn't come
through together.

This bridge is at our "island" where some snow remained.

From the other end of the island.  There are FOUR bridges, but
I'm not sure you can see them all.

It appears that the bobcat had stopped for a drink and was in
no hurry.

There were also signs of deer activity, though deer are not
suitable prey for a bobcat.

The three prominent trees are our 100 year-old pear trees.
We are in hopes the cold weather provides some stimulus for spring growth.

I just had to visit the tree house.  Before long, we'll have the
grandkids up there for play once again.

Judy's arbor and picnic table are waiting patiently for our
permanent return.

If you enjoyed these winter sights, be sure to visit my

Sandhills Nature Trail blog at http://sflnt.blogspot.com.

Well, guess the snow was on the ground long enough

to be waiting for more.  But not this week. Even the 

nighttime lows won't reach freezing for a while.

Such is winter in the Sandhills of North Carolina.