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Spring hasn’t sprung yet, but the doe and her fawn bounced in swiftly with a sure spring in their step.

I was sitting out on the deck just moments ago, when all of the sudden my mama deer and her baby came bounding into our yard. It really startled me because normally they are pretty cautious (for deer), and generally just meander into the yard. I normally see her coming up the from behind the neighbors house.

Today was different and very disturbing to me. As I sat on the back deck listening to the birds sing — I try to identify them but I’m not that good yet. I’ve considered recording the birds, so that I can listen and try to memorize the sounds but I haven’t gotten that far yet.

All of the sudden, I heard three loud rustles coming from footsteps on the leaves and strewn branches around the property and both deer just appeared in front of me. They looked real spooked. Their chests were heaving, both deer were out of breath and panting. Did they think I could protect them? I have no idea.

I sat and watched with interested afraid to move that I might startle the doe into leaving. I was amazed at how long she stood on the hill at the corner of the house just staring toward the direction she had bound in from. The fawn didn’t stick around in my line of view, so after watching the doe stand motionless for about 5-minutes, I slowly stood up and attempted to check on the location of the fawn.

Just as I suspected, my movement wasn’t well-received by the doe and she started to step slowly away but she didn’t leave. She stood her ground and continued to stare in the same direction, while keeping a sense of where I stood. After a few more minutes, she decided I was too close, took a few steps and left our property as if she were riding her very own pogo stick. It was amazing to watch her. I’ve never seen anything like it. The doe made her journey look effortless. The fawn had been waiting a distance off but within eyesight of mama.

I have no idea what had our visiting doe so spooked, but only one thing comes to mind. I can’t fathom a mountain lion out roaming these hills mid-morning like this though. It’s my understanding that the only predator the deer have to worry about is a mountain lion, but everything I’ve read says mountain lions are very elusive creatures and are normally out feeding near dawn and then at dusk. Whatever it was, the doe was certainly concerned, which had me a bit worried.

I may never know what it was, but I’ll be keeping watch.

Twain Harte Weather for Friday, April 22, 2011

There is a definite nip in the air today; with a temperature of 47°. The sky is overcast and the sun hasn’t decided what it will do yet. I have high hopes that the sun will make at least a brief appearance today. It isn’t currently raining but thunderstorms have been forecast for this evening.

The annual Twain Harte Easter Egg Hunt will take place at the ball field next to Eproson Park on Sunday at 1:00 p.m., (behind 7-11). Learn more.

If you are headed to Dodge Ridge this weekend, the fine folks at Dodge Ridge want you to know…

ONLY 3 DAYS REMAINING!

2011-2012 Season Passes are Now on Sale! Thru April 24th for the best season pass price for 2011/2012, plus get up to a $30 deal!

Dodge Ridge’s season will be open for 3 more days, come enjoy the 3 in. of new snowfall we received yesterday with sunny skies for Friday! We’ll have 4 terrain parks open, base depths over 90″ & all lifts operating with the exception of lifts 1, 4 and the rope tow.

I just stepped outside the door and felt like I had walked onto the set of “Gorillas in the Mist: The Story of Diane Fossey.” The air is as thick as pea soup; visibility is low and traffic is light.

Twain Harte - Highway 108 Fog

The fog mixed in with the trees gives Twain Harte, the eerie feeling of being on a Hollywood film set. I just remember the luscious green forest and heavy fog rolling over the trees in that amazing movie with Sigourney Weaver, Gorillas in the Mist: The Story of Diane Fossey. Weaver gave a wonderful portrayal of Diane Fossey who devoted her life to the study of primates.

This is perfect walking weather, believe it or not. The air is crisp and fresh, not to mention heavy with moisture – but it’s good for the lungs. I don’t think I’ve ever really appreciated spring as much as I have this year. The flowers began blooming a couple weeks ago. I don’t know who is responsible for the lovely daffodils, growing near the entrance to Twain Harte on Highway 108, but when I see them, I know I am home and it gives me a warm feeling each time I pass them by.

This spring with all the hard rain and extended snowy weather, has made me see the earth healing and renewing itself daily. For the past five or six years the area has been especially dry. I’m no mathematician but if I had to hazard a guess, I’d say we’ve received about four times as much rain and snow as has been the norm in recent years. The whole town feels washed, the air is crisp and clean.

If you are waiting until summer to visit, you are missing out on some fantastic days of solitude, with plenty of time to reflect on your life, meet with friends and family and enjoy the rebirth that happens each spring.

You won’t find a gorilla in the mist (we hope) but you just might glimpse a bear in the fog. 

The heat is on but that’s not the only thing rising. According to weather.com area residents can expect peak snowmelt conditions into rivers and streams this weekend, creating the potential for danger.

River rafters can expect prime conditions due to heavily melting snow conditions. Peak rafting conditions are expected from now through June 10th. Wet suits are highly recommended.

Mountain snowmelt will be reaching peak levels for the year. With water level running high and fast, people swimming or wading can be easily swept downstream. Even relatively shallow water can prove to be dangerous. Hot air temperatures combined with, frigid water from the melting snow can spell trouble as people wading, rafting or fishing are susceptible to a sudden loss of body temperature from the icy cold water. This condition is called hypothermia and it can be life threatening.

Over the weekend temperatures will be 10 to 20 degrees above normal. Heat related illnesses are possible in these conditions unless proper precautions are taken. Persons working outdoors or planning outdoor activities should wear lightweight light-colored clothing, take frequent breaks from the sun and drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids. Try to avoid strenuous activity during the hottest time of the day. Do not leave children or pets alone in an unattended vehicle.

Temperatures are expected to return to near normal by mid week.