Last Saturday, Seb and I hiked up to the Fisher research site we’ve been caring for to dismantle it and bring back all the equipment. It was pleasantly warm–the mid-50s F–but rainy, so we were in rain pants and jackets most of the way. There was still quite a bit of snow on the trail, so it was a slow, slippery trek.

If you recall from the other posts, the site is only 2.5 miles up Blodgett Canyon, but then you have to cross Blodgett Creek. In the past, that hasn’t been a problem–just put on snowshoes and cross. But now? Blodgett Creek is roaring with high water. There was no way we were crossing it. Although we did see a couple of teenagers cross later on a rickety log jam. Thanks, but I’d rather work a little harder and not drown.

And work hard we did. We hiked up to the pack bridge at just over 3 miles; a relatively easy hike, even with all the snow. But then we bushwacked our way back down the other side. First, we pushed through a large area of small diameter pines and willows. Then we crossed a huge boulder field–they were wet and slippery–so treacherous. Then another bushwacking, with thigh-high snow drifts, and finally, we found the site.

We took down the camera and bait station and cleaned up all the other tools. As you can see below, the station didn’t see any Fishers, but we did catch a wolf! And me, happy to be alive.

The trek back wasn’t any easier, but at least we knew approximately where we were going and what to avoid. All in all, it was a long tough hike, but the company was great and I’m glad we did it. If they hold the project again, I’ll gladly volunteer to organize a station.