Murphy and I Had A Perfect Day

Today was a perfect day. The sun was shining and air was crisp, so I threw on some pants and hiking shoes and grabbed the dog for a hike. She got the shakes part way to the park. But as soon as she saw the traffic fade and the trees emerge, her tail started wagging and her ears and nose perked up.

We went to the big park with miles and miles of trails and a river that was nearly overflowing. There was no one on the path and Murph had the good lead so she had a lot of freedom. The trees are still leafless, so we could see a long distance. With most of the birds gone we could hear the water bubbling and our crunching footsteps. She led the way, anticipating my stride with nearly 100 percent accuracy. Her ears were perked up and her nose telling her the history of everyone and everything that had been through before us.

We climbed over big rocks that created a small damn in the river. We walked over a shaky footbridge. Murphy played in the small pool of water that had collected on the banks and scooped up enormous mouthfuls of water. She miscalculated just one step that caused her to drop into the water up to her neck.

We hiked through muddy paths. Walked over small footbridges. Up tree rooted staircases. She examined the work of beavers and other creatures that call Umstead Park home. When we turned back, she checked her work all the way back (she's an expert marker -- her Kegal muscles must be amazing). I was sweaty. She was panting. We walked six miles and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. I love perfect days. So does Murphy. I expect she’ll be turning her nose up at her regular walk tonight.