Cabin Critters

There are plenty of neighbours at the cabin in summer.

A Guest

I have met a new friend. I welcomed her into my home. I entertained her with tennis balls and squeaky toys. I shared a bully stick with her. I offered her a bowl of freah water and some kibble. We played chase and we napped. Her name is Juliete. She is lovely.

"It is the east, and Juliet is the sun"

Staycation

They begin to plan 9 months in advance. There are flights to book, accommodations to secure, sights and activities to prepare for. There are hours and hours spent studying this map and the other map. They have their noses stuck in a book as they read their way through a big stack piled up on the desk, taking up valuable Chili time. How many phone calls and emails? How many websites? Uncountable. They need to get their technology ready. GPS, Smart phone, IPad, sim card, batteries, cables, converters, cords. I detest the technology even more than books! They are absorbed with it all...what about me?

The talk is all about what to take. How many pairs of pants? Which boots? The down jacket or the fleece jacket? Which gloves? Will the hiking poles fit? Insect repellent and sunscreen? They forget to talk about belly rubs, fetch and walks. There is no talk of toys or treats.

They become frenzied. The lawn needs to be mowed, the yard tidied. The laundry needs to be done, fridge needs to be emptied. Piles of gear are stuffed into bags, pulled out, re-stuffed. Papers, books and maps are sorted and stashed. Early mornings and late nights, the pace is frantic. I stand by watching and wondering.

They claim they are going on a vacation.

I have had experience with the vacation and I have learned a good Chili lesson. While the humans jet off on "vacation", I join grandma for treats, walks, fetch, belly rubs, napping, and undivided attention. The Staycation is right for me.



Staycation with Grandma 



Hide 'n' Seek

Among the bunch grass, camas and larkspur lies a treasure. To find it you will have to follow the trail to the top of the cliffs. Be sure to go on a sunny day in early June. Continue up the shoulder through the open pine forest. Don't forget to smell the fragrant juniper as you pass by. The crickets may try to distract you, but remain steadfast. You must press on past the first breathtaking drop from the rim. Be sure-footed when you pass the gnarly grey grabbing root. That would be your last trip.

You'll know you are near when you feel the scrabbly red rocks beneath your feet.

Before you lies the garden of June.

Revel in it.

The Heat

Chillin' in the shade. No more shaggy fur!

        Today we hit the trail before the heat. Although we were hiking early, we were not alone. There were a few million mosquitoes looking for breakfast. With a shortage of hikers at that time of day, those mosquiteos were so glad to see us.

       Mount Rose is a friendly, short hike just right for a stretch, with plenty of time leftover for fetch, naps, tug-of-war and an evening stroll.



Breathless

Have you wondered what is next?

Have you thought of sharing a smile?

Have you noticed how a breeze can tickle?

Have you wondered about mysteries?

Have you thought how great it is to be alive?

Have you noticed how beautiful the world is?

Have you ever felt breathless from existing?

Volcano Dust

Cedars bough down to greet me

squirrles proclaim my passing

the trail is red

Deadfall tests my endurance

sunshine beats my body

the dust is red

Switchbacks rise to defeat me

my breath is short and fast

my fur is red

Summits are for seekers

the reward earned

my volcano is red

Murtle River, Pyramid Mountain Trail

Wells Gray Provincial Park