A new day

Yesterday was misty and cold. Pogonip filled the air and blanketed the budding plants.

The wild crocuses, Pasqueflowers, clenched their petals tightly closed to wait out the nippy weather. They gathered water out of the air on the fine silky hairs covering their stems.

In the thick fog, animals moved close to me on the trail as if the usual rules no longer applied. The entire hundred-strong elk herd paraded within 50 yards of me, with each of them stopping in a gap between the trees to gaze at me. I must have been almost invisible in the fog.

Deer also disregarded me, walking deliberately within yards of me in the misty world.

Today, the world dawned fresh and clean.

The same Pasqueflower as I photographed yesterday, closed up tightly, opened its petals wide to soak up the sun.

The elk herd and I crossed paths again but, this time, they were more careful to keep their distance from me. Notice that a bull near the right of the photo has only one antler. Antler-shedding season must be starting.

After thundering up the hill in a single file line, they paused before disappearing into the trees.

K and I had a rebirth as well. We were out shortly after sunrise. K looked at the new day quizzically, wondering what it held for us.

For the first time since K's toe amputation, I started pedaling along my favorite path in the forest with her by my side. I remember when we decided to have her infected toe removed - I specifically thought of my favorite trail and that we might never be able to ride it together again. The vets warned me that losing a "weight-bearing toe" could mean the end of her running days.

Today, K loped effortlessly along our favorite trail, glowing with happiness.

We didn't go all the way to the end because I'm still very slowly rebuilding her strength. As we paused to turn around, she stared into my eyes. She knew... We both knew that we have the gift of more time together in the forest. We hugged and celebrated!

Like the plants and wildlife who waited out yesterday's nasty weather to revel in today's sun, K and I weathered a 6 month long ordeal but now we can shine again.

Here's to the Power of the Paw!