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A magnificent write up by our biologist/ecologist friend, Steve Bondi, after his walk around the Ran
http://www.methowexplorations.com/news Yesterday Methow Explorations visited the Twisp Terrace Lodge at Rockchuck Ranch (formerly the Tice Ranch) outside of Twisp along State Route 20. Lodge proprietor (and skilled furniture mover) Eric Blank gave me the scoop on the best trails, scenic overlooks, and Beaver Creek access, as well as details on their exciting plans as the Blank family opens the lodge for business this May. The Rockchuck Ranch/Twisp Terrace Lodge is located on lower Beaver Creek drainage 1/2 mile from the confluence with the mighty Methow River. The combination of habitats throughout the 200+ acre property make this an ecologically rich site for exploration. Riparian and
Getting the fruit orchard ready for the Spring today we watched a Cooper's Hawk drive a luckless robin into one of the Farmhouse windows. A common tactic, but this hawk zigged when she should have zagged and took a bang herself. After some helpful but humiliating resuscitation from our aspiring ornithologist, a drink of water, and an hour resting in the back of jeep while we shooed away the curious barn cats, the hawk took off without a word of thanks. As long as she stays away from our new chicks. . . .
With the snow totally gone it might be nice to show some last of the season's winter pictures. Here's a view of the Lodge from the West: Yes, it has all new roofing. Our website picture is of the old roof(s) (or should it be "rooves?"). We like this one much better! And here is a last winter view from the the Escarpment Trail looking East: The fruit orchard has been trimmed and is ready to go. We have been training the barn cats to keep the birds away from the cherries. OK, not really, but it would be cool, and much better than those shiny foil strips: This is Sphinx, by the way. If she starts walking towards you step back unless you don't mind her jumping onto your shoulder. She onl
Jake, our Yellow Lab, is enjoying his first swim of the season. Blue, our Aussie, is not sure that swimming is for him. This is his first Spring and the other end of the pond is still under ice! Plus, the ducks make a terrible racket. Blue may be right. Here is the pond just a week ago. Brrr! Meanwhile, the bald eagles are celebrating the first day of Spring by deciding to give our chickens a break and to dine on fish. They flapped off shortly after this picture with one of our eight-pound trout, unfortunately: