Use it or lose it. The climb can be slow and the dogs stop and watch & wait patiently... but we manage. Daisy and Ginger feel it too as they are not far behind me, Ginger panting but she keeps up - good because she needs to lose weight & this is the fun way, for us all. An adventure!
Poppy & Arrow are the rock climbing explorers! I'm amazed at Poppy - hopping from rock to rock, Arrow following her like a good big sister as we 3 watch from below. We found false morel - the kind you do NOT eat -they are poisonous but it means real morel won't be long. Tons of Trillium just up - no flowers' yet, in just a couple of weeks it will be harder to explore from all the vegetation, especially wild raspberries with branches that scratch as we walk through them, I worry about the dogs eyes and face but for now - out we go.
I was feeling sad & mentally worn down the other day, a few things on my mind but I had promised the girls" first nice day - we go!" Once out, surrounded by nature - all was forgotten while discovering mushrooms, shoots, new buds, deer poop and new growth as well as newly fallen trees - next years firewood... as usual I was reminded of Gods greatest creations (besides us) - nature. It all started in a garden after all. Nature is good for the mind & soul and dogs. I am grateful to climb as difficult as it can feel at times. I know many with arthritis who just give up and give in to it. If I did that, I would have stoped painting about 10 years ago. The TN also seems to be aggravated by the continuous ups & downs and stepping over branches... one eye constantly shutting throws the balance off therefore we just go a little slower. Arrow runs ahead & returns to my side & I use her for balance at times - dogs know. Each time & come back feeling simply grateful - because I can explore the forest... never taken for granted.
We're out for at least an hour and come home sweaty, thirsty and exhausted- everyone ready for a nap on the deck.
I also felt better emotionally or perhaps I'm just too tired and surrender easier, either way all I can say:
Thy will be done.
We also slept great! Now, I just touch my walking stick and the excitement starts! Hopefully we'll get out several times before the mosquitos take over, then it's more like a run through the forest to keep them from finding us.
This mornings walk was a bonus - Storm joined us! A perfect start to a lovely day.
Thy will be done & Thank you, for another day... another adventure.
Some images below of what it looks liken the woods in Ontario, in the spring.