I needed a break from peopling. The only creatures I wanted to talk to were my dogs. I wanted to breathe and be in nature, without interruption, without stress.
I also needed to go to a place where I could feel the dogs and I were safe from hunters/killers now that it’s rifle season. Knowing most of them are too lazy or out of shape to go far from a road, I chose a hiking trail that starts at 6,500 feet and gains 2,000 feet in 2.5 miles to a Forest Service fire lookout, too steep and remote for most.
We found the solitude I hoped for. And a dusting of snow – even better! We love snow. Here are some photos from our time spent forest bathing.
Just breathe…
Autumn in the high country.Oh boy, snow!Conall appreciates the view as much as I do as we climb through a section of scree.Gorgeous quartz veins in the granite boulders.This raven amused itself by taunting the boys into games of chase. I love interacting with wildlife this way!The boys keep an eye on the raven flying overhead.The raven rests briefly atop an old tree, a good perch for keeping an eye on me and the boys before launching toward another game of chase, giving a raucous “Caw!” as it soared overhead.Conall does love a good view. We’re looking west across the Snake River into Oregon’s Wallowa Mountains.Conall poses near a cairn built to memorialize his predecessors, Maia and Meadow, who enjoyed reaching the summit of this mountain (8,756 ft) as much as the boys and I do. Heading back down to the trail head, a bit windy but oh, my, the views….Heading home, the larches – referred to as tamaracks locally – are turning color, adding a bright green-yellow to the landscape.
I delight in exploring the national forest near my Idaho home on foot, whether trail running, hiking, or xc skiing, with my two dogs by my side, taking photos of nature and wildlife. An author and freelance writer, I love observing and writing about the natural world, and dogs, and am a long-time contributing editor at Bark magazine. I used to practice law for a living. I much prefer the writing life.
View all posts by Rebecca Wallick
2 thoughts on “Just Breathe”
Very enjoyable views. Wow. You go outside and hike. I go inside and read. Same search for a non-peopled space (except for Beth, of course).
Wild Sensibility 
Very enjoyable views. Wow. You go outside and hike. I go inside and read. Same search for a non-peopled space (except for Beth, of course).
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Thanks! I’m working on a post about being an introvert. I’m betting you’ll relate.
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