Snow Paths

Snow paths criss-cross our yard. After the winds died down, my husband used the snow blower to carve a triangular path from the house to the barn to the woodshed and back to the house. Then he created a spur path that went to the chicken house. Not stopping there, he carved a path so the chickens could come outside without getting stuck in a snow drift.

With the exception of Caeli, the high drive Border collie, the fowl, livestock and humans select the easiest path through the snow.

The chickens, with their heavy bodies, claw feet, and wings, have the toughest time going through the snow. They attempt to fly from one clear spot to another, but when they land in a drift, they flap and swim and squawk until they become unstuck. Give them a clear path, and they love to be outside moving around.

When the snow reaches depths of about 12 inches, the ewes' bellies hit the snow. Each day, I move the hay feeders a little further into the pasture, hoping to entice them to dig in the snow for grass. Over the past several days, they've created a meandering path that avoids the drifts, but haven't ventured far from home.

The llama, with his longer legs, is more adventurous. Though, he seems disappointed the sheep won't follow.

The pony follows her belly. She's willing to jump through the drifts if the promise of grass awaits on the other side. At night, she comes to the barn with snow balls clinging to her legs and face.

Because the dogs too prefer the paths, exercise consists of running along the paths in the back yard and up and down the quarter-mile lane. The exception to this is Caeli who doesn't mind swimming through the drifts in pursuit of a ball.

As for me, I stick to the paths, unless I strap on my skis and create my own way.