I stopped in New Salem on the way hiking this morning; the sunrise was brilliant before the cloud cover moved in. Gate 15 is an easy hike, all downhill. Atherton Brook was babbling as I passed on the way to the reservoir. When I reached the intersection of 15-1, I went left to the shoreline. Then walked the shoreline south reaching the other cart road had I gone right at the 15-1 intersection. It always amazes me the animal tracks you see after a light snow. Coyote, deer, moose were easy finds this morning. The reservoir was calm. Walking the shoreline I did see one kingfisher, one lone goose and rounding one of the coves three canvas backs flew with my interruption. No loons where seen or heard today. This late in the season most loons have headed east and south. This was a short morning hike putting just over five miles on the ole’ hiking boots. The trek back up to the truck kept the blood flowing and was warm! Jim