Coyotes and Sunset Hikes

I have a trail camera on a little trail that goes past our house just outside our bedroom window. In the wee hours of the other morning, it saw a lot of traffic.

First, the innocent bunny.

Then, the alert and crafty coyote, with a nick in his ear.

A minute later, a coyote who I'm guessing is the female of a breeding pair with the male above. This photo worried me. Look at her face. It's cut and swollen. I hope that it's not infected and that she heals. An infected cut can be very serious for a wild animal so I'll be watching my trail camera photos for this coyote to see how it heals.

The last in the parade was our resident clown. Yes, our 4-year-old puppy still grabs the leash in his mouth at the start of a run. The look in his eyes made me laugh.

Comparing the photo of R with the coyotes gives you an idea of how big the coyotes are. However, they do have very thick and luxurious coats now, unlike R who lives in the warmth of a heated house.

Late yesterday, we made out for a sunset hike as a foursome. Sunset hikes for the whole pack will be more common now that the time is changing and sunset is later! I love photographing the Duo in the extreme light of sunrise or sunset. It paints the world in warm and bright colors.

In the sunset light, I had the Duo do a sit-stay, and then I called them to me. They galloped toward me in perfect lock-step. My autofocus didn't quite keep up with them as they charged to me but it's cool to see them move in perfect sync.

Step 1:

Step 2:

As the Runner and I looked at these photos, we smiled about how K is so bright-eyed and energetic, despite all that she's going through. She still keeps up with her crazy brother, step for step. They romp happily together during our hikes. I've stopped obsessing about her breaking her leg, which has made the hikes much more fun for me.

And, K is still teaching her little brother important stuff, like the wonders of eating rose hips as the snow melts and uncovers them.

This week will be a big week in the osteosarcoma journey. On Friday, K will have xrays taken of her limbs and lungs to find out whether the cancer has metastasized. If it has not spread yet, then she'll have her 4th (of 6 total) chemotherapy sessions. My stomach is already in knots over the tests.

Here's to many more sunset hikes for the Duo and us. I can lose myself in the joyful romping of the Duo, forgetting my worries, as we stroll in the sunset light.