New Year's Day Hike at Hog Lake

I got up early and drove the 30 minute drive west of our home to the parking area on BLM land at the north end of Hog Lake. Very little snow was on the ground; only about 1.5 to 2". It was icy in spots where hikers had gone before me. It was an overcast and misty morning. The waterfall at the north end was not totally frozen over nor was that end of the lake.

As I continued west from the mid part of the lake along a small rift in the basaltic rocks I saw these mouse or vole trails.

As I passed this little pond with interesting winter colors I approached a solitary ponderosa when I large silent bird glided out. I walked a little further not realizing the bird had landed again and at the next copse of trees two of the big Great Horned Owls glided out. At this point I knew I had stumbled upon a mated pair and needed to retrace my steps to leave them alone. They obviously had found the perfect place to raise and provide for their family.