After breakfast this morning, Max insisted on going back outside. As I expected, he headed straight for the birdfeeder. I went out with seed and suet to make sure there was enough food to keep the birds up off the ground. But upon discovering the weather was mild, instead of dishwashing and other morning chores, I decided to head into the woods for a walk, knowing this would lure Max away from the feeder.
I haven’t sorted out yet whether Max likes having the dogs on the walk, or not. Max’s routine is to hang back while the dogs and I set a course. Then he comes dashing madly past us and runs off ahead stopping at the top of a boulder, or sometimes up a tree. Today, Max made his first run past me, and then turned and raised his hackles as the dogs came lumbering along, acting uncertain about the two approaching animals. Once he’d gotten accustomed to their presence, Max resorted to hiding out and then pouncing at them. He often stares into the distance at the dogs with an expression that suggests he’s bewildered that the dogs are still following.
At Max’s other home, the two dogs there, spend most of their days tied up on runs, so perhaps Max is surprised that Buddy and Bo can actually follow along.
Dogs or no dogs, it is clear that Max loves the walks. He investigates everything, and keeps with us in his own method of locomotion. He is most entertaining.
Today’s adventure seemed to be about tree houses and ground dwellings, large and small. Max investigated every cavity large enough to crawl into. I was photographing one underground tree house and imagining how startled I would be if the owner suddenly popped his head out, when just as I snapped the photo, an animal appeared, startling me. It was Max. He’d entered through a back door I hadn’t yet seen.
It was a wonderful walk. The sun was low in the sky, casting warm shafts of light on the forest floor. It was very inviting. These last days of fall when they are warm as it was today, are such a gift. Yesterday was warm as well, and I wandered down to the water and sat on my stone perch overlooking the pond. Suddenly I felt compelled to lie down on the ground in the sun. I lay there listening to the water bubbling over the rocks, and the birds singing in the trees. I know how lucky I am.
On our woodland trek today, we came upon the stream that was dry this summer, and found it was now trickling with clear water, though it was easily fordable from almost any point. Max and the dogs stopped for a water break.
We climbed up several hills not previously explored before turning back.
Interestingly on the return home, we came upon no tree houses. This makes me think that these underground entrances are dug facing north or east – perhaps to keep the heat of the sun out or to allow for coming and going in the shadows.
When we got home, Max headed straight to the bird feeder. Happily after fifteen minutes or so he came in for a nap.
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