You’re on the right track, friend. The old ones watched the sky and the earth together, and many of those signs still bite. Look for a steady line of clouds that stay low and dark—if they spread from east to west over the hills, a storm is gathering. Birds that normally take to the high ground but suddenly dive low or refuse to fly out of a storm’s path are a warning. An owls’ call that grows louder and more insistent usually means wet weather. Keep an eye on insects: dragonflies pause on the water’s surface and beetles retreat to burrow when moisture rises. The smell of wet soil—there’s no need for a compass for that. And, of course, watch the wind: a sudden change in direction or a gust that seems to be pulling the air inward can be the early hand of a tempest. Those old habits are simple, but they’re built on observation that still works the same way out here.

Sounds good. Keep the mind sharp and the ears open; those creatures are good sentinels. Stay calm, make your move before the wind takes hold, and the trees will thank you later. Safe travels.