The End of April Break

Lots more hiking to round out the week. Hiked Blueberry Mountain on Thursday afternoon when it was cloudy and wet. We (Luna, Moose and I) started in a light sprinkle, but the blue sky was out-ish at the top. It was chilly and beautiful. There is something that is a little spooky about the woods when it is cloudy. I am not apt to be spooked when the sun is out -- but when the wind is blowing and it is dark in the woods, I sometimes wonder what is around me. I usually remind myself of my understanding of fear (thank you Stephen King -- I have a full understanding of my relationship with fear since teaching The Girl Who Loved Tom Gordon) and talk myself out of any crazy thoughts. Having the dogs with me helps. Moose held up the rear and Luna led the way. I am glad I decided to take Moose with me.

From Blueberry Mountain, looking at Big Jackson


I debated taking Moose at all. He mauls Luna and is a dum-dum in the car -- no manners whatsoever. But I relented when he nearly pushed me over to get out the door with me as I left with my Camelback on. I am glad I did take him because this moment of shared closeness never happens... I had to snap this picture while driving, and I am glad I did. Notice Luna's expression verses Moose's.



And then on Friday -- before work -- I hiked Little Jackson. Took me three hours round trip (not bad) and I ate hungrily in the car on my drive back to Peru. Love my new car -- drove right up to the closest parking spot to the trailhead without incident and with confidence. Lots of snow in places on the trail and I have bloody, scabby knees to prove it. The snow is so rough it gouges the skin as my leg crashes to the earth through the crusty, weak Spring layer. All worth it though -- pretty view from the top.


Saddleback from Little Jackson.




Turd -- her name is Esther, but I started calling her Esturd. Now it is sometimes Turd for short. She loved that we were around yesterday and stayed close to me no matter where I went. She loves me -- comes on long walks with me, follows me through the house -- it is pretty cool. Jim is astounded by it and I am flattered by it.




Jim worked outside all day -- I was inside in the morning -- cleaning. He raked and bagged stuff. Last year he bought a "real" lawnmower -- the ones that don't run on gas -- but are revolving blades. This purchase has made him very conscious of small twigs and leaves and stuff that would impede his cutting progress. So he raked, I cleaned. Then he sharpened while I took care of my Irises and other perennials. The lawn is looking good. And I just loved that Esther came right over to where I was weeding and plunked herself down with me. I love my animals; they are so cool.