Nice morning for hiking even with the overcast skies. Small mammals and birds were busy with activity. Probably in anticipation of the coming storm .

 Heading back to the truck I met up with an east side regular who was on his hike in. . He just had an experience watching a bobcat. I enjoyed  listening to him share the story and hearing the excitement in his voice. He shared the location which was only about ten minutes away. I hustled in hopes of getting a glimpse of the Quabbin cat. Settling in at the location I watched in anticipation . After about fifteen minutes I moved and just caught a glimpse of the cat slipping away through a stand of white pine saplings. No chance for a pic. I was grateful to see what I did.This is the first cat I have seen in my Quabbin hiking quest.
I have talked to a number of folks in my Quabbin travels that have seen a number of bobcats over the years. Just need to be in the right place at the right time.
Jim

Cold and breezy this morning then turned COLD & WINDY. Tried my luck at Quabbin Park. No critters to be seen from the road so I hiked Gate 52 up to the back side of the lookout tower.

 The wind wasn't to bad in the woods. I did manage to see on single deer feeding in the hardwoods, When I got to the top and walked the field to the lookout tower , the wind cut right through you. I didn't stick around  long. Walking down the road towards Endfield Lookout the wind was brutal. Got a " Brain Freeze" , like when you eat a ice cream cone  fast.

This is what I call the " Dead Of Winter" The weather will only improve from this point on.
I did see 4/5 other camera folks attempting to enjoy the bitter morning,