I think I have gotten Hubs hooked on walking and hiking through the woods. And watching the rebirth all around you is only that much more intoxicating. We got an early start, having discovered that it is pretty easy to give Beau his medication while we are out and about, but also because it is far more enjoyable to romp the forest paths when it is just us.
One of our favorite spots is Rockwood Conservation Area. We walk the flat part of the Lime Kiln trail when Hubs needs flat ground. Besides there is a beautiful little spot where the water flows out of the side of the "mountain" (hehe... mid-west mountain) that Belle and Beau are passionate about. They are definitely water pups and can't wait to pounce and splash in it as we are crossing. That section gives us about 2.2 miles, enough.
Hubs is healing, Belle is maintaining and Beau and I are just having a great time! Getting back in the car Hubs realized he was pretty darn close to hitting his 3 mile walk for the day and was up for another round. I'd read about another Conservation area near the one we were at, so off we went. Not having the slightest idea what to expect.
Let's just say Rockwood might have competition! Greensfelder is even bigger, and the paths are insane! We had to share a lot more than we like, it was well after 10 am when we got there. But the pups did fantastic with the runners and mountain bikes that we had to share the thin paths with. I was so proud of them. The only almost hiccup was a runner with his pup, but we were able to step down the hillside a bit to let them zip on by.
I kept checking with Hubs, telling him to let me know when he was ready to turn around. We were only going to walk a quarter mile and then turn around. We were having such a great hike that we ended up walking a full half mile in, which meant a half mile back. Another full mile ticked off for our weekend. It was so beautiful, we even chatted about the book I was telling you about a bit ago. "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson.
The park reminded me so much of Germany and all the walks I took living there. I get a bit wrapped up in them and enjoy the journey so much. That park is definitely one that is going to need a lot more exploring and it's only 20 minutes from home.
I wasn't sure the day could get better. Beautiful blue skies, the bright pops of colors starting to pop up through the deary browns of winter. And spending time with Hubs and the pups. Does it get any better?
Why, yes it can, and it did. Hubs grabbed the mail and asked me if I was expecting anything from his sister in Alabama, nope, I sure wasn't. But I was definitely curious. Sis hadn't mentioned she was sending anything and I could hardly wait to see what was in that soft brown package.
Remember I said that somewhere along the way my copy of "A Walk in the Woods" had gotten misplaced, I did briefly look to see if I could find another copy, but I got distracted (what is new there?) and never finished the quest.
I had absolute tears in my eyes when I opened the envelop and there was a beautiful new copy of it! I can hardly wait to dive into it again. Normally, I am not a fan of surprises. But gifts of pure love, well now... That just filled my heart to over flowing. She found it at a book sale at her library.
It's sitting beside my chair. I have another book I am wrapping up right now. It's an educational one, and I am learning a great deal, so I want to finish it. I will have at least 8 weeks keeping my Belle still and healing. I will mentally take a long walk with Bill as I tend to my girl.
I felt so heard, I'm still smiling and it was hours ago. It filled my heart with so much love, that something so trivial as a book I loved mattered. Thank you Sis! I will never lose this copy or my note from it.
Hubs and I will probably hit the trails a bit again tomorrow, the morning has cleared and the storm is waiting for later in the day. Not sure if we will take our pups, we worry about our Belle. But a few miles connecting with nature before she reminds us who is actually in charge isn't a bad thing.
I can't wait to blow the cobwebs out of my memory and read my book. I can't wait to remember the day dreams that came with it all those years ago. Nope, I am fairly positive I will never hike the Appalachian Trail myself, but I can definitely live vicariously through his words.
It's super late for me, my eyes are struggling to stay open, but I have to give my Beau his 9 pm meds. Then I will head up and go to bed myself. Tomorrow is another day....
Celebrate the small tokens of love, they really make life feel magical.
much love,
b
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