Today Karen and I quickly hiked seven miles with 1,500 feet of elevation gain. We did a wide loop in Sage Hills Trails west of Wenatchee, WA where we live. A storm was coming.

Thanks to the Land Trust, it's a mule deer reserve. Sage Hills Trails close Dec. 1 to April 1 to let deer have their babies in peace. No hunting.

Coyotes left black scat in the trail to mark their territory. "Coyote scat is black because it contains blood from animals they eat," Karen said.

In places, we walked through shoulder-high golden grass shining in the sun. It felt like we were walking on the yellow brick road.

I love hiking in winter because you can see who lives there. Animal tracks in snow. With no leaves, we saw a bird's nest high in a tree. Baby birds have a great view of the mountains.

Photos:

1. Karen and the Enchantment Mountains, 8,000-9,000'.

2. Rose hips.

3. Golden grasses shining in the sun.

4. Bird nest has a great view.