The golden beauty of Autumn in Alaska is behind us now, although the season itself draws on.
Most deciduous trees and bushes are bare of leaf, turning all energies inward towards survival of the long, cold winter ahead. Spruce trees add the only touches of green to the landscape, as well as safe haven for winter-hardy birds.
We’ve had several crisp, sunny days this past week, enticing me to bundle up in hoodie, gloves and thick socks to take the dogs for outings at our local parks and walking trails. They enjoy mixing long walks up with nose work practice. We’re also loading up on natural vitamin D while we can!
NW hide by right foot! 
What’re we waiting for? 
Riding to the park. 
Let’s go! Let’s go!
We had an afternoon of heavy dark clouds obscuring the local mountains yesterday, along with periods of light rain. As expected, this morning’s chill sunshine exposed fresh snow, “termination dust” as we call it here, nearly halfway down the flanks of the Talkeetna Mountain range to the north of our house.
It won’t be much longer before we have snow here in the valley too, and I’m OK with that. Snow at least adds its own touches of fresh beauty to a landscape otherwise painted with a broad-hued brown brush this time of year.
My goal for this next week is to plan activities geared towards keeping me active, while still social-distancing, over the next few months. Once cold weather sets in, my smooth-coat small dogs are no more eager than I am to venture outside for long walks – an activity we count on for exercise the rest of the year.
Well, what a difference a day makes. I was going to post this last night before bed, but drowsiness and a compelling Audible book overcame my good intentions.
I awoke to THIS. It’s not much [yet], but officially, the wait is over. Baxter and Rhonda are not overly impressed.
De & the Dachsies - Our Rambles 