Heaven under my feet

Finally, after much delay (not my fault!), I visited Mt. Lemmon. I placed ten wire holders, containing nuts, at various locations. These holders are not traps; the squirrels can easily get out. They are lined with double-sided tape that catches hair samples for me to look at later.

In a way I am glad that my project had a stalled beginning. There could not have been a more beautiful day to go. The sky was clear, the breeze was faint but present, and the snow twinkled when cast in sunlight. The snow lined Catalina Highway and coated the peaks but did not make a nuisance of itself. What I love most about being outdoors, though, is the comfort it rouses within me. There is no one to prove myself to, no one to compare myself to, no question if something is right or something is wrong. Everything falls delicately into place with no purpose other than being. Nothing needs to justify its existence, not even me.

Anyway, I will revisit the locations Monday to exchange the tape and replace the nut reserves. In the meantime, I will continue to read my sources and begin the bare bones of my paper.

Best wishes to all,

Katharine.

P.S. Duncan, I have not seen a squirrel yet, but if I do, his name will be Squirrely Duncan!