Hiking With The Puppy...

There's a trail behind our house that take hikers up the mountain. From the trail they can access a road, or continue to Patsy's Mind and Flag Rock. In the summer, the trail is used daily. Many times I've watched as groups or single individuals head up the switchbacks to higher elevations and amazing experiences.

I used to hike that mountain if not daily at least weekly as a kid. As an adult...not so much.

I've noticed something as I watch people begin and end their hikes. Many times, they have a dog with them. The other day, I decided to do the same. I wasn't sure how our puppy would handle being on a relatively narrow trail. Turns out, he did well.

We didn't go very high up the hill, just a few switchbacks. We cleared what my friends used to call The Sandpit. It's still full of sand, mostly, but with new vegetation, it's not as defined as it once was. The trail is not steep, but it's narrow. The puppy was a little tentative, but he was able to make his way up until we cleared The Sandpit. That's when I began taking pictures. The clouds made it a beautiful hike.

The weather is turning. There will be fewer and fewer hikers (and dogs...) in the coming days and weeks. I don't know if I'll get up the hill again with the puppy--it might be next spring until we take to the hill. Of course, by then, he won't be a puppy anymore.

Before The Internet...There Were...Mountains

It's interesting living next door to where I grew up, watching my children grow and develop decades after I did...I'm reminded of my childhood almost every day. And what did we do as kids?

We hiked the mountain.

I've written about where we live before. I've written about the mountain on which we live. Tonight, just before dusk, I grabbed my cameras and headed up the hill. Soon, we're going to get some neighbors. I hiked up to one of the lots and looked around.

I remember my childhood, but when I remember it, I don't think I remember it quite the way it happened. For instance, I remember hiking on the hill, alone, with friends, or with my dog. I remember spending a lot of time on that hill, but in reality, I know I spent a lot more time in front of a TV set. I watched a lot of TV as a kid.

My mind wandered as I did. Thinking of the time I spent watching TV made me think about what kids do nowadays. Kids (and myself as well...) are on the internet. When my kids were younger they went up the hill from time to time, but not anymore. Do I wish they spent more time outdoors. Sure, but also they're preparing for the world in which they'll live. 

But what of the mountains? It occurred to me on my descent that the mountains were there for me, even when I didn't need them. They existed long before I--or anyone else--ever got here, and they'll be here long after we're all gone. And even though the lighting wasn't ideal for panoramic shots, tonight it was beautiful up there. I walked where I used to run, saw sights I used to--and still do--take fore granted. To me, the rocks, the sagebrush, the views meant something different, something deeper. 

Maybe I'm growing up after all.