This was recorded on a winter day with rain and sleet falling in a densely forested, mountainous area just below the snowline near the Pacific Crest Trail south of Girard Ridge in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest , Shasta County, California. Though a slushy accumulation gathered on the ground and in the trees, the true snowline was about two hundred vertical feet above the spot this recording was made. 

This is an unsettling time to be an American. I recorded this on the day our Capitol building was overrun by pro-Trump, far right-wing, ultra-nationalist protestors. While all of that was happening I was walking past trees which were standing before that building had even been built, before this country had even been conceived. Trees which have endured countless storms and all manner of violent weather. I hope that our country can be like those trees. If our roots are strong and our heartwood has not become too rotten, and if the bark beetles of ignorance haven't burrowed too deep, perhaps we can weather this storm.  

Sound By Nature is produced by me with the generous support of listeners like you. If you appreciate natural sound recorded live on location, which has been gathered mindfully with respect for nature, and is completely free from advertising, perhaps you would like to support the podcast as well. Will you help me continue to provide you with these recordings by becoming a supporter? Your support will be used help me keep giving you ad free, thoughtfully collected natural sound. I hope that you will consider supporting me if you can. You can do so by clicking the support link at the end of this podcast description, thanks! 

Thank you so very much to my supporters for your monthly support. Your contributions have helped me upgrade my equipment which has hopefully improved your listening experience, it has helped cover the costs associated with gathering these recordings, and it is incredibly encouraging for me to know that you value what I am providing you. I am extremely grateful for your help and I'm determined to continue to provide you with natural sound. Also, thank you to everyone that has taken the time to rate and review the podcast, and the few of you who have reached out by email. I really appreciate it. 

If you have any questions, comments, or criticisms you can email the podcast at [email protected]. If you'd like to see a few pictures from some of the places these episodes were recorded, check out the Facebook and Instagram pages for the podcast, you can find them by searching @soundbynaturepodcast. I hope you are all staying safe and healthy. Thank you very much for listening.  Stay sound.