Not too long ago Judy invited us to walk with her on Wednesdays. As I have gotten older, I realize more and more just how little exercise I get these days, so I have made a commitment to leave Wednesday afternoons open for a walk in the woods.
Today I left the house with Maggie, the English Setter, thinking how much she would enjoy this walk. What I didn't think about is that she really isn't in complete control of her walking manners yet, so as we headed off for a walk behind the local high school, I thought I was going to lose my hand from all of the pulling. You see, she is a hunting dog, and in her element with out much training, you can only imagine.........sensory overload!
Sooooooooooo, I returned home, gave Maggie a treat, patted her on the head as I tucked her in her crate.......got on the phone with the local training guru and made an appointment for some obedience classes.
After that was completed, I put a collar and leash on another cutie and started out once again. Kali was a delightful walking companion. Where as Maggie would have been swept away in the river with her enthusiasm, Kali chose to stay close to me with a bit more cautious enthusiasm.
Today's trek took us for a walk behind our local high school which is a just a few blocks away and home to the Swift river. Fall is quickly fading away here in the mountains. When I left for Rhinebeck the streets were lined with the golden colors of the Oak trees, but when I came home, those same trees were barren........winter is bearing down on us. The chill in the air was evident in the biting wind that blew down the rivers.....bbrrrr.
It was so nice to walk in the quiet once again, with only my thoughts and my little companion. It has been such a long time since I have done this and I can't tell you how much I enjoyed it.
I live in such a beautiful place.........why haven't I forced myself to enjoy it more? Sometimes life gets so busy that we forget to take time for ourselves just to connect and to breathe.
Today was such a breath of fresh air! Thank you Judy for suggesting this..........hopefully I continue to find the time every Wednesday to enjoy the day, walking in the woods!
As I end this post, I will leave a few more pictures of Autumn leaving the valley....
The scarf is so pretty, Kim. I love the ruffle on the ends.
Posted by: Lynne | Friday, October 27, 2006 at 11:29 PM
That Kali is so cute!! The river looked beautiful. Thanks for taking us on your walk with you.
Posted by: jaci | Friday, October 27, 2006 at 06:44 PM
Great walk and photos! Have you tried a Gentle Leader on Maggie yet? It really helps with pulling. Obedience Class is a good idea and she'll be so well behaved in the end. But you already knew that!
Posted by: Manise | Friday, October 27, 2006 at 06:52 AM
What a beauty Maggie is!!! I love Setters...well, I love most ALL dogs LOL, but have a special place for setters. :D And what a gorgeous area you live in! I'm in northeast TN, and the leaves this week have been breathtaking...but I dream of being in New England in the Fall, and yes, even for a while in the Winter, at Christmas, please :D.
Angie
www.threadcatcher.blogspot.com
Posted by: Angie | Thursday, October 26, 2006 at 04:51 PM
We need to get out and take a nice fall walk. There is now snow on the mountains so we might be too late to hike. Your world is so beautiful and peaceful.
Posted by: margene | Thursday, October 26, 2006 at 01:58 PM
Who was walking who? :)
Love going on your walk! thanks for bringing us!
Posted by: sandy | Thursday, October 26, 2006 at 10:45 AM
Oh, thank you. What a beautiful walk. I love the pics of the rocks, and yes, I had to laugh.
Posted by: Judy | Thursday, October 26, 2006 at 10:02 AM
It *is* so good to get out there, isn't it? I forget to make time for walks often, and now with hunting season coming up fast... I guess I'll just have to coat myself in blaze orange and get out there! Great pics, Kim.
Posted by: Liz | Thursday, October 26, 2006 at 09:42 AM
Great photos. Rowan's that way too - we got her a collar and just use that. She is much much better behaved without having to have my arm jerked from the socket and it lets her run more without me having to run with her, but still keeps her nice and safe.
Posted by: Anne | Thursday, October 26, 2006 at 08:28 AM
Beautiful post.
Posted by: Teresa C | Thursday, October 26, 2006 at 08:10 AM
I love that first photo of the stream. Sounds like a wonderful afternoon and it's great that you got out to enjoy it. Soon it will be too frickin' cold. Damn.
Posted by: Carole | Thursday, October 26, 2006 at 07:39 AM