Day 203 February 23, 2011

The highlight of my morning was to walk the doggies out onto the dykes on snowshoes.  Both dogs were excited to be out there for it had been a while.  Since we received so much snow, it took a few weeks and a few days of above freezing temperatures for the snow to compact enough for the dogs to stay on top of the now hardened snow surface.  Recently our dog walks have been on the pavement which meant the dogs were leashed.  They much prefer running free out on the dykes.

The snowshoes worked like a charm.  I breezed right along on top of the surface of the deep snow, perhaps sinking only a few inches every so often in a drift of powder soft snow.  The sun was brilliant and the wind strong, especially once we cleared the trees and entered the vast flat stretches of the dyked pasture lands.  My winter gear protected me perfectly.  The depth of my hood kept my face completely protected from the winds that otherwise would have created instant headaches on bare skin.

The dogs held their tails high, a sign of their happiness.  Being Labrador retrievers, they barely noticed the cold and wind, but the older dog kept looking back at me, to check that I was doing all right.  Such a sweetie, that Mr. Bear.  It was an exhilarating walk.  I loved the patterns in the snow, the blankness of the white fields, the solitude of being in nature.  Nary another human in sight.  It is good to get away into nature and it is good to return home.

Do you have a favourite getaway in nature that rejuvenates you?  A favourite spot that lets you feast on its beauty and calms you all at the same time?  Or perhaps your favourite spot in inside an art gallery?  Or inside a vast library?  Or aboard a boat, or inside a car?  Or upon a yoga mat?  We all have our comfort spots.  Spend some time in your comfort spot today.  It will feel great.