Winter Wonderland & An Emerging Spring Mix it Up

Simon and I headed out for one of our favorite winter walking loops which includes short hikes through the forest, walking along carriage paths and along closed park roads.

We had a dusting of snow last evening and the paths were a little bit slick- suppose it was good not to go running :tears:
As Simon and I started our walk the sun came out and the forest was sparkling with the fresh snow. It was a soft snow and so our footsteps were muffled as we hiked along in peace together. We followed the tracks of a fox for quite some time before parting ways. At one point I heard a Raven calling out and Simon immediately stopped in his tracks. He has a fascination with Ravens and when he hears one he will look about in the sky for it and follow its path across the sky. I, in turn, am fascinated by his fascination with this bird and this bird in particular. Native Americans have legends about the relationships between Wolves and Ravens and interesting behaviors have been observed by wolves interacting with Ravens- Jim & Jamie Dutcher write about it in their wonderful book: Wolves at Our Door : The Extraordinary Story of the Couple Who Lived with Wolves But I digress....

As we began our walk back to the car we were treated by two bald eagles, one an adult and one immature, soaring over our heads and then along the cliffs beside us. There was some interaction between the two and we could hear the distinctive screech from one of them. Back at the car, then home and now typing away I am left with the image and sounds of incredible beauty- an image that should get me nicely through the rest of my day.

Simon turns 6!!

After Simon's sixth birthday this week I found myself re-reading a post on Tom Ryan's blog.... every word rings try today. I love this dog and he loves me- it really is that simple.

Link to Tom Ryan's blog:
http://tomandatticus.blogspot.com/2009/10/mount-hale-will-be-hiked-for-simon.html

Running to Remember a Fellow Woman Runner

We have been shocked by the news of Sherry, teacher, wife, mom and runner who left her home one Saturday morning for a run and never returned. Her cousin is organizing a run to remember her... as a women who runs alone this is particularly poignant. Please consider joining Simon and I and walk, run, cycle or move in whatever way suits you to remember Sherry.

http://www.shutupandrun.net/2012/01/virtual-run-for-sherry-arnold-february.html

Will Simon Forgive me?

I am going hiking today and I have decided not to bring Simon.... I know you are all gasping at the horror of it all. But, I am hiking with my pal Megan and her 2 daughters in the hopes of seeing one of the Snowy Owls that have come down our way this winter. I am pretty sure that having a predator along, Simon, may interfere with our possible sightings.

Fortunately, Simon and I have already had a wonderful outdoor adventure today- doing a loop that incorporated hiking trails, closed roads and an bushwhack along an abandoned trail! So.... please forgive me my four pawed pal!