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

A Spring in My Step

Hello, readers. The snow has retreated up into the mountians, leaving the valleys to be re-born. I'm surrounded by breezes bursting buds and clouds billowing birds. The world is waking up and I have a spring in my step.

The humans have traded in showshoes and skis for hiking boots, lawn mowers and chainsaws. We've travelled some or our favourite trails.

The Murtle River past Majeurs Farm is a butterfly haven.

 The bushes on the Flatiron Trail have been pruned by the moose!

The Enderby Cliffs are breezy and cool.

Picnic

The picnic is the perfect thing. It begins with an idea. The idea causes bustling about in the cupboards and fridge. There is increased chatter with questions and exclamations. The talk of foods; savoury and sweet, crisp and creamy, steaming hot and chilled. The feast takes shape and is ready to move.

The picnic is the perfect thing. It is conducted outdoors. A site must be selected and arranged for comfort. There is viewing and discussion, disagreement and compromise. To be considered; sun and shadow, breeze and calm, birdsong and streamsong. The setting for the feast is chosen.

The picnic is the perfect thing. It is made for sharing. The company consists of those who are important and can appreciate the special event that is a picnic; those who love a little pickle in a sandwich, a crumbly piece of cake and are not bothered by a tiny bug in the iced tea.

Cheers! dear reader, may all your picnics be divine.

Why?

I have asked myself why. Why don't humans nap more often? Why don't I eat cookies exclusivley? Why do I have to bath? Why do I have to stay home?

As a pup, I have lots of questions. I also have a few answers, especially about those with 2 legs. No matter how hard they try, humans will never be pups. They just can't seem to get it right. They never know when a game of fetch is over. They never understand when to nap. They can't shake and stretch with abandon. They are poor at chewing and they almost never like a belly rub.

My adivce to humans-be happy as humans and leave the canine life to us pups. I know they will not be content with this, however. They will attempt, with the best and most loving of intentions, to make pups into humans. It is not amusing.

I am not a human.