Mountain Meadows

Well...this isn't the most stunning photo of the day, nor the best I've ever taken. But it leaves me feeling warm. Probably warmer than the day actually was. You see, I love mountain meadows. And I love being there with my dog. The only thing that would make a mountain meadow more wonderful than it already is, would be to share it with the man that I love; wherever he may be.

Late this morning, I was driving myself up the Guenella Pass scenic by way. I visited the pass for the first time about 10 years ago. It's hard to believe that I haven't been back since, considering I spent less than 15 minutes there and wanted so desperately to come back and hike.

Today, I went alone. It was the only choice I had. But as I drove the road by myself, I was glad I took a chance to take this journey by myself. I know it sounds corny, but my heart felt like it was singing to be so close to Colorado wilderness. Really that's all I need. To be close. Or to feel safe with someone else as we travel cross country, off trail.

I like to be away from the crowds, and on this fall day, almost no one was interested in driving a road that peaked in color weeks ago. Even the passing cars were hard to hear over the stream. I felt so lucky.

The road had changed. I remembered it being bumpy and broken. It was a dirt road past a certain point back then. The Ford Explorer was zipping so fast and bumping all over the place, back then, that I feared we might bump right into Georgetown's water supply. But today, the road was smooth. It was rennovated. I had an easy drive to the top and back down. Best of all, even though I was alone, this gave me lots of time to think. To think about the direction my life is taking. I realized, I'm tired of driving these roads alone. I'm tired of hiking alone or wanting to try something new alone.

Of course Mira kept me company. She was a good companion. She always wants to go where I want to go :) And coincindentally will leave when I want to leave :) All kidding aside though, I want a human companion who can share life with me. So that I don't have to do it alone.

I miss her in one way or another every day.  Wish she was still here.  Hope that I did the right thing.  But today, my "Trinity" thought, came to me via Mira.  Mira is my 5 year old German Shepherd.  When Trinity was alive, I used to wonder what each of them did during the day while I was at work.  Trinity must have been in the bedroom writing a memoir or solving the world's energy crisis.  Mira was probably sleeping in a pile of tennis balls in the living room, twitching with dreams of chasing them.  I never really thought Mira was that bright.  Just loveable.  Trinity was the genius.

But my opinion of Mira has changed.  On Sunday, she was one of a few dogs to pass the herding instinct test at Valdamar Farms.  I was impressed to watch her figure out a technique and see the sheep as a group.  I didn't even know what she was supposed to be doing.

Today, I took her for a walk down in Golden.  I taught her how to heel at my side.  There are definitely things to work on, but her precision in turning to the right is amazing.  Her confidence and trust in me as a handler, when other dogs pass, is incredible.  She is happy to be praised and happy to work well.  I don't know if she's a genius or not.  I don't need her to be.  The smile she put on my face today and last Sunday is enough for me.  Love you Mira :)