As a dog nut who also loves to write, combining those passions to create an article for The Bark magazine always makes me happy. This article was especially fun to research and write because I've always thought it would be amazing to help raise a guide dog puppy. Now I realize just what a commitment… Continue reading Raising a Guide Dog Puppy
Author: Rebecca Wallick
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.
Too Peopley Out There
When the world is a bit too newsy, and my days too peopley, I head to the mountains and practice some Stoicism, reminding myself: I can’t control external events, only my response to them. Following the dogs, weaving through rock cliffs and trees. My best response? Go outside and absorb the peace and calm of… Continue reading Too Peopley Out There
Bucolic
Several years ago, sharing photos of the rural valley where I live, an acquaintance commented, “It looks…bucolic.” Walking a country road as morning fog lifts. He meant it as a slur. He considers himself cosmopolitan, despite living in…Wyoming. The word bucolic is one I fully embrace, my raison d’etre for moving to Idaho’s mountains fifteen… Continue reading Bucolic
Forest Berries – Autumn’s Gift
One of the delights of autumn, in addition to the leaves on the deciduous trees and shrubs turning color, is the abundance of bright berries. Like their earlier counterparts, mountain wildflowers, berries on mountain trees and shrubs come in bright colors, tickling not only our eyes but the mouths of the birds, deer, elk and bear who rely upon them as winter approaches.
Success!
As in...I finished that 30K trail race last weekend. Finishing was my only goal. After all, it's been three years since I ran this distance or longer, and I was thinner then. And faster. My longest training run this summer was twelve miles. Finishing was hardly assured, but given the remoteness of the course, bailing… Continue reading Success!
Running Through the Ages
Old age and treachery will always beat youth and exuberance. David Mamet My father often shared the above quote as he aged, along with Growing old ain’t no place for sissies, which is attributed to Bette Davis. My father lived to be 85, and had he not smoked for 30 years, compromising his lungs, he… Continue reading Running Through the Ages
Late Bloomers
Late-season wildflowers in the forest of Idaho's mountains.
Sandhill Cranes
Here in the central mountains of Idaho, Sandhill cranes are a regular feature. In spring and fall large flocks travel through on their migrations, but a few stay for the summer.
Boldly Bouldering
I have a dog who delights in bouldering. Oxford Dictionary: bouldering (noun) - climbing on large boulders, either for practice or as a sport in its own right. I noticed Conall’s affinity for climbing downed trees and boulders soon after bringing him home as a puppy. I chose Conall and his breeder when she shared… Continue reading Boldly Bouldering
Uninvited House Guests
This afternoon I find a cricket on the floor in my kitchen. I retrieve the glass and folded magazine page I keep handy on the dining table for removing the occasional bee or stink bug that finds a way inside. I’m allergic to bees, and my dogs hate them, so much so that they come… Continue reading Uninvited House Guests
Wild Sensibility 