Each morning we walk the golf course. The last week we have been following an unusual set of tracks. We are used to seeing deer, coyotes, fox, raccoon, rabbit prints, all which are very distinctive. A herd of Elk have found the golf course a grazing habitat, they love the exposed grass that peaks through the snow. We now have two distinct paths that lead out of the foothills, over the fences, and onto the course. It started with what we assume was a forward scout, which found its way down one fairway and back up the next canyon. The next morning a crowd follows the tracks, grazing as they go. The elk is a heavy creature and when it is soft they leave a deep tooth shaped track in the ground, fortunately most of this season the ground has remained frozen. The gof course superintendent put up fencing around the “greens” with bright colored flags to keep them off the most difficult to heal surfaces. We have never seen the elk.

The grounds crew put out a game camera and captured 30-40 elk, they show up around 3 am and leave before sunrise.  Nice they are on their own schedule.  My friend tells me “very cool so long as they go away before golf season.” 

Speaking of the fox, they are less plentiful with the incursion of the Coyotes into our foothills.  It made me think of the faux news presented by folks like Tucker Carlson, Laura Ingraham, Maria Bartiromo, Sean Hannity and others on FOX. I have enjoyed the revelations as the $1.6 billion Dominion law suit moved toward a trial date.  Those pesky text messages that you don’t think anyone will ever see. Oh my, knowing the facts and choosing to report what you think your audience wants to hear.  Not sure you can hide behind the free speech amendment in that case. Regardless, Rupert Murdock chose to tell the truth under oath, I wonder what blame shifting his news stars will employ. Stay tuned. the cliche “sly as a fox” is well defined, “exceptionally clever, cunning, or shrewd, especially in devious or underhanded ways.”  I can only hope the truth sets their captive audience free from their misinformation.  

The world lost another outstanding person this past week. Charles “Dick” Holleran passed away with his family at his side. Charles and Mary Ruth had four children, one of them our friend John. Dick lived an amazing life and will be well remembered. Condolences to family and friends.

Enjoy the snowy week end. Spring is truly around one of the upcoming corners. 

Mike