can't get much more simple than this old baby. I like the idea but I think your dark boards get lost in the dark parts of the ground...of course it could just be this totally awesome (NOT) monitor I get to work on. Good luck
Maybe frame it a little looser to include the mechanism that is supporting it. I don't think I have seen one built like this before. I like the path worn in the snow and it might be good to see the whole loop.