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Saturday, October 6, 2012

The Intensity

Brrrr, it was another wintry and wet day out there. About a month ago, I didn't show you these photos of a bear because I didn't want to admit that the season was truly changing. This spot is close to a bear "day bed" on a deep layer of pine needles that the bears use for sleeping in the fall before they hibernate. I never get a photo of a bear at this site before September - these photos were a sign that summer was ending.
I often can identify the bears (I've given some of them names, as you know) but I didn't see enough of this one to be sure of who he was. I do know that he was a burly and strong bear!
Shyla and I passed near the spot where the bear's photo was taken on our hike this morning. It was cold and ice was dripping off aspen leaves.
I took a few photos but then I needed to get moving to stay warm.
Shyla loves the cold weather. She barreled through the rime ice covered grass from one side of the trail to the other. When I called her, she ran to me at full speed! Her recalls are amazingly good already.
We hit some serious patches of fog, and Shyla would emerge like a ghost from the dim light. Look how high she holds her tail in our forest, and look at the intensity in her eyes. That intensity is new - like a fire has been lit inside her. This girl is finding her confidence and becoming a force to be reckoned with.
Then, just as quickly, the fog would lift, and I could see colors again.
The spiders' webs in the forest were glowing with rime ice - they were so beautiful with the golden aspen background.
After our hike, I left the galloping Shyla home with the boys, and I headed out into the cold wet world. The pogonip (freezing fog) obscured every view during my ride.
It also made amazing sculptures on the aspen leaves when I hit the most exposed part of the ride.
It wasn't my favorite ride ever. When I wasn't climbing straight uphill in the forest, it was nippy and wet. My glasses became so ice-covered that I couldn't see through them. Then, I blew out my rear shock, and I had to pedal very gingerly all the way home to avoid destroying the shock forever. Believe me, blowing out a shock is a feat for a 105 lb girl who doesn't ride aggressively. Fortunately, it was on my "old" bike that I reserve for bad weather days like today.

Now, we are all relaxing in front of a crackling fire. Tis the season...

29 comments:

  1. The chill of winter is in the air here also. We've got a beautiful fire crackling too.

    Your pic's are amazing. And that Shyla, wow is she impressive! We are so happy to hear that she is doing so well learning her commands and recalls. She is turning into a wonderful companion. She is loving life in the rockies!

    Hugs,
    Lily Belle & Muffin

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  2. Wow! I don't know what else to say about all those pictures today other than that. I think my favorite is the spider web. As always thanks for sharing.

    Cindy

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  3. Shyla is definitely a romping-in-the-rockies dog! Great photographs of the ice and fog. And the gorgeous bear. Bet that warm fire was welcome.

    For some reason this post sent "one season following another, laden with happiness and tears" running through my mind. I do hope this season brings a wealth of happiness to you and the runner and the canines.

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  4. Oh that spider web picture was wonderful!!! For some reason MOM was looking for spider webs today. Maybe she should have headed over the mountain to your area. I of course would love that. Then I could play with R and Shyla. Enjoy your fire.
    Blessings,
    Goose

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  5. I hate to admit it but My Vickie is a woosie when it comes to the cold weather. We almost hibernate in the winter like bears. It makes My Vickie cold to the bone when she thinks of you out riding in the ice and snow.

    But maybe this year she will be more adventurous and take me snowshoeing a little more than she has in the past.

    Stay warm, and keep getting those wonderful pictures to share with us.

    bert

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  6. I am just thrilled with what you are seeing (and we are seeing) with Shyla. I have had three dogs, one had been abused, and two were runners, and it was so great to see them make changes and become "I belong here" dogs.

    Cheers,
    Jo, Stella and Zkhat

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  7. I like Jo's term: I belong here dogs, as that's what Ruby has become. I love seeing Shyla's tail held so high!!

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  8. Ooooooooo! Ice on the leaves and that spiderweb shot!!! I am in TOTAL envy. I'm looking for a spiderweb for the Scavenge Challenge group I belong to on Flickr, and now nothing I find will measure up to that.

    I knew Shyla would come around quickly! :D Next thing you know, that spunky little girl will be sassing you! I am going to laugh when it happens, just so you know.

    BTW, it was that weird metal tab that made me think she might be wearing a Cycle Dog collar. I figured you'd be the person with a recycled bicycle tire with a bottle opener as a buckle if anyone would. ;) I can't wait to see the new one on her!

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  9. Sounds like you deserved to relax in front of that fire. Shyla is a real beauty:-)

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  10. As we sit here in 80+-degree weather, I feel a bit chilly after seeing all that ice! Brrrrrr!

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  11. I'm so enjoying watching Shyla navigate through the seasons with you. I guess she's like Marge.. she likes the cold!

    It's so hard for me to believe that way out there in the mountains, you're already covered in ice. Here, it's been close to 80 degrees!

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  12. Wonderful post, and great photos -- thanks so much for this most excellent blog!!

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  13. Amazing photos! You all truly embrace the seasons and each and every moment, no matter what the temperature--A lesson for ME to learn as I sit here with a blanket on my lap! :-)

    Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

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  14. The pictures of the leaves are beautiful! Shyla looks like one happy girl,

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  15. Your pictures are so gorgeous. And yes, she is so intense and focused
    Benny & Lily

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  16. Wow , what beautiful pictures....The bear looks very big....be careful when you are out hiking with Shyla and R.

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  17. You are such a brilliant photographer, KB! Your pictures are always incredible!
    We are so proud of you, Shyla!

    Love ya lots,
    Mitch and Molly

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  18. Magical photos, both of nature and of Shyla! That crackling fire sounds well-deserved!

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  19. The web is beautiful. Love the bear. Have a super Sunday.
    Best wishes Molly.

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  20. Hi KB. Shyla really does have an intense, focused look in her eyes - wonderful! And i love your photos of the rimed aspen leaves.

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  21. What a healthy, handsome bear! Love all the other photos too, of course! I wish some of that cold weather would head our way.

    Susan T and Wrigs in AZ

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  22. Wow! What awesome photos. I grew up in the desert, and anything snow/frost covered is rare. You just made me realize I am missing out on something!

    Sam

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  23. Hi KB, Wow what incredible photos! I've never heard of rime ice or pogonip but the ice is so beautiful. I know I've thought of you yesterday when I was training in the cold(it isn't nearly as cold as where you are). I will say that like your Shyla, Hunter's self confidence is growing and he is less fearful of other dogs & people, all coming from his training.
    Have a great day!
    Hugs, Noreen

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  24. I love coming to your blog to see such beautiful, emotional, pleasing photography.....AND the same in your journaling style.

    Even the 'sad' entries are touching. You are gifted, thanks for sharing.

    Julie

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  25. Your world is just so beautiful!
    And your mountain girl is gorgeous!
    love
    tweedles

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  26. Your icy photos are spectacular even if the weather isn't.

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  27. Hi Y'all,

    Yes, in the mountains we had the heat on when running the fireplace just wasn't enough warmth. Having a few weeks before business takes us back up there, we came home to the shore. The cold front followed. It feels like winter here today! Yesterday was in the 80's and last night instead of only 70 it dropped to 60 and never got warmer!

    Y'all come by now,
    Hawk aka BrownDog

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  28. Man, did you ever hit the mother lode with these ice and rime photos!! That spiderweb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOW! Love the golden shot of Shyla coming at you. You're right; she does look as if she's gaining confidence every day!

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  29. great pictures...loving your blog..have to visit more often..

    Seema

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