I have always loved walking in bad weather. Rain never stopped me. One day I walked all day in the rain to get back home.
Sometimes it got so hot that I thought I would croak. But that would not stop a good walk. A pleasant day in the 70s makes for a pleasant walk, but anyone can take a pleasant walk.
If it is snowing, let it snow so hard that the flakes make a walking snowman, yes, let the wind blow — make it a blizzard — can’t see a thing. Make it sting. Zero or below makes it even better.
Let me tell you a story about a blizzard walk. While living in Kimmell I took off during a big snow. The plan was 5 miles out and 5 miles home. It was a lovely day for a walk.
As I started out of the little village, a small dog started to walk right beside me. I tried and tried to discourage the dog. I would shoo it away and in a couple minutes it was at my heals. The little thing would not go back. So we walked and walked, man and dog, now walking buddies. Around the time we had walked 4 miles, and before the planned turnaround time, the little dog walked into a ditch. It lay down in the snow and would not get up and walk anymore. By this time I wanted the dog to walk with me as I was feeling responsible for it. The dog wouldn’t get up and walk! It was tired out, really exhausted.
I was feeling sorry for my little friend and wondered how it would get back home. I continued on without the dog and in a mile or so went into a restaurant, the turnaround point, warmed up with a cup of coffee and a cinnamon roll. After the rest break I started back home, with the weather raw, just right, and no dog in sight. After a few minutes it appeared through the snowflakes. When the dog saw me it started to run away. Seemed like it was frightened and saying, “Here comes that crazy man. Let me out of here! I don’t want to follow him anymore”.
I walked back to Kimmell. Whatever happened to the dog? We do know that animals can find their way home from many many miles away. Dogs are known as “man’s best friend” but what kind of a friend takes you on a 10 mile walk in a blizzard?
Good one. Never did see the dog again!
Doggonit, wish you and the K9 had hooked up again.