Snow on the Allegheny Front

Cheat Mountain east of Morgantown is the western front of the Allegheny Mountains. After you cross this long ridge, which runs from West Virgina up into Pennsylvania , you drop down into the rolling hills which stretch out toward the more level lands of Ohio. A hike on this ridge down the Scott's Run trail turned out to be a chance to walk on a very blustery day. The rains which had preceded the snow had turned the Scott's Run trail into a run itself. The creeks were swift and high. It seemed like most of the wildlife was hunkered down waiting for better weather to feed.

Our small group had the trail to ourselves. The forecast was accurate that day and deterred the casual hiker. We were dressed appropriately and enjoyed the beauty of the snow in the woods. As I left to return home, I noticed 2 crows on a perched on a power pole. At that moment one carefully nudged under the wing of the other with its beak. It was as though it was tending to the other bird. They were much more oblivious to the weather than we were--- right "gear" I guess.