Elk!

As this lovely weather continues we decided to see how the snow was for x-country skiing. It was perfect.
We skied across our two lakes; 3,5 km out to a sheltered picnic spot in full sun, and then 2,5 km back to the start.
As we sat, quietly chatting, this group of 5 elk/moose, Alces alces, popped out of the forest just 50 metres away, lolloped across the ice and then down the far side of the lake.  What a treat to see! Also unusual because elks don't form herds and usually the most you see are are a mother and two calves.
After our ski trip we dug out the veranda at the red house. This was two hours of heavy work as there was a lot of snow to remove.  HD sliced it away from the snow mass and I slid the piles onto the snow covered "lawn".  It was hard work but means we can sit outside for a morning cup of tea when the weather is suitable.