Blue has Wireless!

I have been waiting for this moment - or these moments. I have landed in a space that is empty of its inhabitant yet full of the inhabitant's dogs, things and mellow vibe. I have been waiting for an opportunity to reflect on the trip thus far, post pictures and just be alone with my thoughts and whims - without expectation to "do" anything or say anything (other than the constant chatter I always make to domestic animals). And I am here. Blue is in MT showing some people a ranch that is for sale there -- and he so kindly opened his space to me -- allowing me to land here at about 10 this morning with groceries in hand. He will be home around 5 or 6 this evening, and until then, I am free to be.

The above picture is from his driveway -- he is the caretaker of the ranch I used to work for when I lived here. His two dogs (Siren and Sidney -- not sure which is which), Luna and I walked over to the barn (about a mile or less away via dirt roads) to see if I could get a horse fix (there are 13 here now) -- they were out in the wide pasture and I did not catch a glimpse of them, but I did enjoy the walk and the views and the feeling of being alone.

This shot may not capture this dog's essence. I love her already -- she is right under my feet right now -- and when she is out and about, she just goes for it -- wherever she is going. And she has this really intense look to her -- she wonders what you are doing, why you are stopping, what you will do next -- and when she runs through the fields and over fences and into the water, she does it with a vigor that makes me smile. Cool dog.

And this one is pure soft sweetness -- just a love.

I realize I am talking and talking and going on about wanting to be alone -- as if I have not enjoyed the company I have had in Jim. I have so enjoyed the company of Jim -- experiencing views and food and people together -- making this massive trip west together -- without issue and with many laughs. I have so enjoyed him and love him very much.

But anyone who knows me knows that I require a lot of time alone -- time in the woods, reading, whatever -- and traveling and staying with people does not always get you that. When Jim and I were in Victor I did catch a taste of the beautiful feeling of being alone but not lonely, as he and I have an ability to be with one another and be quiet and be very happy. So there was a taste there -- and then in MT, we are in my brother and Polly's house -- and as comfortable as they made us, we were still in someone's space, far far from home.

After I dropped Jim off at the airport yesterday and drove back up the Gallatin Canyon alone, I realized how much I had missed driving alone. And now, sitting here, I am alone and allowed to think and wonder and I again realize, as I did hiking up to PackSaddle Lake yesterday with Luna, there is a real freedom in going at your pace, to your destination.