Just What I Needed

 

Tuesday was just another day of this:

Believe it or not, the morning started off sunny and warm. And we had put Zuni up in her turn-out beside the barn, but by late morning, I sent Jax up to bring her back down to the house because the snow was coming down fast and thick.

 

I was under the false impression that it had to be too warm for any snow to stick on the ground. Of course, I was wrong and we ended up with between 2-3” of the white stuff. Zuni didn’t mind. Snow just makes her more playful.

~~~~~~~~~~~

So, the next day, while the snow was melting into a thick, gooey, slippery mess here at home, I was driving west through Albuquerque and north into Rio Rancho (about a 45 minute drive from home) for an appointment and to visit a friend. After the appointment and visit were through, I decided to do something I haven’t done by myself for years.

I took a nature walk.

And I hiked on well-groomed paths through the beautiful Bosque along the Rio Grande River.

I wonder what they mean by “Pets At Large”? Would this exclude horses, which are large? I think I will check to see if horses are permitted on these beautiful trails. I would love to ride Apache here

In the summer, these cottonwood trees create a thick, green canopy above the trails. A wonderful escape from the heat of the city. Most of Albuquerque and the Bosque is at or below 5,000 ft elevation. Up in the mountains where we live, we’re above 7,000ft, so our summers are always cool and comfortable. We rarely ever need to turn on the A/C, because leaving the windows open allows our cool breezes to keep things comfortable. I suppose these long, snowy winters are the price we pay to have such beautiful weather during the summer.

And I guess when things get too bad up here during the winter and spring, we can always drive west, down into the city and warm our cold bones.

The term Bosque refers to low-lying forests around rivers densely forested with cottonwoods and other deciduous trees in the southwestern United States.

(See those mountains in the distance? Just beyond those peaks, is where you’ll find The Laughing Orca Ranch)

The Bosque is such a peaceful, quiet respite and it refreshed my body, mind and spirit strolling below those huge Cottonwood Trees, feeling the warmth of the sun on my skin.

Exploring the twisting, narrow trails towards the river.

I rarely ever go on hikes by myself anymore because I enjoy taking my kidlets along so they get to experience all the beauty of nature, too. So, I did feel slightly guilty about leaving them at home. But I must admit the peace, quiet and serenity of the trail all to myself was pure joy for my spirit.

 

Oh, I but did have my Dobbie girl. She goes everywhere with me, and it was nice to have her company. I think she was feeling the same way I was, just enjoying herself with all the new sights, scents and noises of the Bosque and Rio Grande River.

I doubt she has ever been this close to a river before.

As a breeding female in a Puppy Mill, kept in a cage 24/7 taking care of puppies for the first two years of her life, it must be amazing to her to experience so many new things. It makes me smile just watching her take it all in.

 

It’s amazing to me that I adopted my Dobbie girl only 7 months ago. It feels like she’s been with me and my family for much longer. She’s one very special pooch and I love to explore new places with her.

When I was just a little girl, I had a medium-sized, black, fluffy mutt dog, named Francie, that I adored. She was my best friend and we were often out exploring the woods and creek behind our suburban house or hiking out together just the two of us, when my parents took us camping. I love hanging out with my kids and taking them everywhere with me, but there is still something so special about taking a walk with your dog.

Or just sitting together beside the mighty Rio Grande River.

It was such a warm day, I took off my shoes and dug my shy, hobbit feet into the sand.

And then I became braver and dipped my toes into the chocolate colored water of the Rio Grande.

Laying back in the warm, soft sand, barefoot, was just wonderful!

I can’t even explain the relief and joy it was to just be able to walk on dry, flat, level ground again without having to negotiate through ice, mud, snow, and pocks of hoof prints and tire ruts.

Of course, I was wearing my Professional Choice Miracle Knee Brace and my knee was causing me no problems at all. No weakness, no limping, and no pain. Pure bliss…I tell ya.

It was time to head back to the car. Where’s the trail?

I followed our footprints and we found it.

Exploring the Salt Cedar Maze.

Hey Mom. We’re almost to the end of the Salt Cedar Maze. Come on. Follow me.

Finally out of the maze. Should we go this way?

Or that way?

So many forks in the trail. So many new trails to explore when we come back again one day.

This was just what I needed to get me through more wintery blasts, as Spring builds up it’s soft muscles enough to toss winter off of it’s back, once and for all.