Reflections on the Morning Hike

1. Next time wear a visor. The early morning slant of the sun is too much even with sunglasses.
2. It may be the wet ground or it may be the forest four-leggers, but whichever, Oso went rather slowly this morning with his nose to the ground. 
3. When he does run, however, he doesn’t just leap over things. Sometimes he just leaps. Fun to watch. 
4. Came down a hill and he turned on the trail. Suddenly there was a huge crash sounding like a tree falling ~ on its own probably because there was no machinery sounds. Oso races back to us ~ whether to protect or for protection I may never know. 
5. The wet forest smells Wonderful. All damp and green and heavy with oxygen. 
6. The Loop remains a place a peace and wonder. It is “peopled” by fourth and fifth dimensional beings whose presence is as palatable as the aroma. And it is Silent. I wish there were a way I could help you “hear” the silence of this part of the forest. There is No Sound except for the gentle touch of our footsteps on the trail. If we stop, there is nothing. No birds. No human noises. No rustle of leaves. And Oso of course makes no noise as he moves like a shadow down the trail in front of us. A blessed way to start the day. 
7. A creek on the trail back home gives Oso a chance to drink deeply and with the widening trail, he takes off running ~ and leaping. 
8. I continue to Love my “new” hiking boots. I walk with ease and strength over rocks and limbs as well as reasonably flat trails. 
9. It was really nice to take this walk again ~ just the family. I am truly blessed.