Another great evening adventure! Thirteen Macnamarans ventured out to Oxford Mills to join Fred Schueler and Aleta Karstad for the Friday evening mudpuppy count, which occurs weekly over the winter.  Also with us was a couple who had driven all the way from NY state to participate. The night was unusually mild and calm and the mudpuppies did not disappoint us. Fifty were counted and everyone saw many of them as they made their way upstream to feed in the shallow water.  There were a few wet feet among us as we shuffled over the rocks.  When the counting was done we had the chance to warm up and dry out at the lovely Brigadoon restaurant where we enjoyed the food and drink. There we had the opportunity to continue our discussion of mudpuppies and this special project.  For more information see pinicola.ca/mudpup1.

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Some of the MFNC Board members at their monthly meeting (we're missing Olga, Suzanne, and Doug (who's behind the camera)).

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Saturday was a cool, sunny winter day, perfect for a two-hour trek on groomed trails through the magnificent Carp Ridge, one of the most beautful areas in West Carleton. David Spence shared his vast knowledge of the area with 26 of our club members.  We learned about many aspects of the Ridge. For example, we examined trees and shrubs, investigated the numerous tracks (including deer, squirrel, coyote, fox, fisher, grouse, the site of a recent Northern shrike kill of a robin), checked out woodpecker holes and raccoon cavities, found a ravens' nest in an old barn, tasted high bush cranberries and were greeted by a live robin. Along with this we had time to chat and get to know one another better, especially as the day ended and we gathered around a blazing bonfire.  We thank David and Helen Spence for sharing their property and their enthusiasm for the Carp Ridge with us.

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Olga sends some pics of the hike, and a note, "The day was pretty good weather wise-I think about 40 people were there. It was a good day."

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