Recently I borrowed a dog from a family member for a hike. I drove him to the Sibley Historic House and we hiked westward along the south side of the Minnesota River. The dog was thrilled. He sniffed out and investigated a hundred different things, eagerly bounding forward into the weeds, grass, mud and water. It’s great to have a dog along. I feel pangs when I see happy dogs running along the trails with their humans. I want a dog, or a few rats. Also if I fell in a grotto or got stabbed for wandering too close to a hobo camp, maybe the dog could run for help.
On the trails a couple of yellow-rumped warblers darted about very close to us. Perhaps they were so preoccupied with catching bugs during their migration that they did not care about the dog, or about me. Other woodland birds seem much more wary. I suppose the greatest threat for a migrating warbler is from above in the form of resident hawks.
The rest of the hike was fantastic. The temperature shot up in the midday sun from 30 F to almost 50 F. I got a little warm under my scarf and other layers. I was glad I had brought my boots because there was still flooding on the trail from the week or two of rain and clouds. The trails were covered with yellow ash leaves just like the streets and sidewalks. The silver maples and eastern cottonwoods were also turning. I love the trees. I love the trails. I love the wildlife. This hike was so much better than a drab one from a week ago at Elm Creek Park Reserve. I don’t know why it seemed so ugly. It just had no charm at all, even though it was so nice to hike during the summer. Today was much better. I don’t know why. Perhaps having the dog along was the main difference.
pseudoisaac 