"I know that our bodies were made to thrive only in pure air, and the scenes in which pure air is found." ~John Muir
On my own this morning.
I can’t even remember the last time I ran in the mountains by myself. It’s been a while.
The first half was very quiet. Just a few campsites with people still asleep in their tents and hammocks. 
On the way back down, I got a very enthusiastic high five from a solo runner headed in the opposite direction and had snake hole all to myself.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Many blowdowns and butterflies, a tiny toad and blue-sky views from Blackrock summit. 
Also, a falling tree branch missed landing on my head by about two feet and I stopped for a very refreshing swim at Snake Hole.
Misty mountains, wildflowers and a bear.
My sweet, loving little boy
My little white shadow
My kitty soul mate
I will miss:
having to re-clip the blinds every night after you jump into the window and knock them out
the “ticka-ticka-tick” of your little claws across the floor when I call you for cuddles
your little “meow” when you roll onto your back asking me for belly rubs
burying my face in your soft little kitty belly
your gentle little love bites
kissing your puffy white cheeks
rearranging the kitchen rug several times a day because you tried to wrap yourself up in it
seeing you sleeping peacefully on the bed
your little kitty body in the window staring intently at things I can never see
how excited and noisy you get at mealtimes
the way you dig around in the toybox looking for the exact toy you want
your amazing soccer goalie skills
you greeting me noisily at the door when I come home
the way you love with complete abandon, turning into a sweet little bundle of head bumps, purrs and drool
your gentle, loving presence
For such a little man, you take up so much space in my heart. I am so, so thankful for the time we had together. I only wish it could have been longer.
Another waterful run in the mountains.
Sunshine, a very cold swimming hole and lots of rocks to test my ankle and climbs to remind me I’ve been away from the mountains for too long.
It felt good to get back out there, though.
I love my mountains.
