One Last Winter Hike
We just kept walking, going further and further into the woods. Willow was maneuvering well on the even terrain created by the layers of crust-covered snow. There were no expectations set for the day, so I decided to hike to the top of Mount Satutakee The temperature was perfectly cool, wind blowing gently and I was dressed for the cold in a down jacket, wind pants, hat and gloves. The footing was sure and the dogs up for it. It was an easy hike with little ice for slipping and the crust of the snow had a slight grip to it. Willow ’s bad knee was beginning to show signs of weakness as we clamored up a steep incline when we approached the summit. Nash remained close by running off ahead and turning back to confirm our safety on the snow. The summit began to get more slippery with ice and Nash’s sense of well being kicked in to make certain I was safe on the ice. The summit was spectacular with ice-covered trees whose limb jingled like chimes in the wind. I sat on an exposed bolder to take in the view of Monadnock, Pack Monadnock, other mountains and listened to the solitude while Nash and Willow sampled the ice covered blueberry branches. It was a quick uneventful decent after an all too brief stay at the summit. Still in the back of my mind I was elated with our triumph and tried not to wonder if this trip would be Willow ’s last up the mountain. It had been months, nearly a year, since our last hike due to her injury and I had no expectations on when or if we would ever journey that way again. As she grows older, I try not to say things to set myself up for that “just one last time” mentality. Each journey is cherished for that moment. A special trek in and of itself and to finalize it would be in some way minimizing the experience. I also never know when the environment might lend an opportunity like our recent hike. I saw the opening and decided to take it. We arrived home satisfied like we just consumed a delicious meal. Nash went up stairs to rest, Willow collapsed on the rug in the sun and moved to a cushioned dog bed before long. I made a cup of tea and rested too: A great hike, too much time between the last.
