Cross Country Ski Gone Awry

Friday, February 22, 2019

In my last post, I mentioned I was about to leave for a cross country ski through my backyard into the tree farm behind our home.  I decided to take Miss Riley with me, because she stays close by me, and I don't need to keep her on a leash. A dog on a leash and cross country skis do not mix!

It was a beautiful day! The snow was sparkling as the sun shone down and the world was bathed in the joy from the snowshine sparkles. From the moment we headed out from the house, I realized it was going to be slow-going, as my skies sunk down into the snow almost to my knees.

I wanted to enjoy the sunshine, so I persevered. On we went through the woods, enjoying the glorious sunshine-filled afternoon.

The grandeur of the scene before me carried me onward. 

As my path meandered through the trees,
 breaking through the snow with each step,
the joy in my heart grew. 

But all was not well... no indeed... my little companion was not as happy
as I with the struggles through the snow. 

Perhaps her eyes and ears were tuned to the smells rather than the sights! 

But in this glorious snow-lovely landscape, my heart pounded both with joy and exertion.

My skis sunk through the snow with every swish-swoosh and Riley... exhausted,
began to put her feet on the back of my skis, and so now I was carrying both of us!

I came to the logging road where I had intended to ski down, but....
the exertion just to get there had worn both of us out!

I know Riley had high hopes for this adventure, but now,
exhaustion had set in for both of us, and it was time to turn around. 

The unbroken logging road trail called out to me, and I had to ignore it.
How I wanted to, but my legs just couldn't. Imagine wading through a foot of sand...
each step takes all the breath in your body!

And because Riley was tired, she was using my skis to carry her,
thus I was bearing twice the load. 

As we turned around to follow our path back home,
I could almost hear her sigh with relief!

Oh how I hated to leave this winter wonderland,
so I stopped for several moments to just
soak its beauty up. 

Riley thought it would be the perfect time to just sit on my skis, as we both rested. 

I don't think she was as captivated by the view as I was!


Oh! It was thrilling to just be there, in that moment! My heart raised in praise to the Lord in glorious joy and praise.
How majestic is this world He has created for us to enjoy!

But as you can see in this picture, Miss Riley was looking at me as if to say... c'mon, let's get on home! 

So I obliged and told her... Let's go home.... and this is what happened next... I happened to get it recorded on my phone, so you get to see the little drama played out!



Here we are, back on our property, and close to home!
Somewhere she found the energy to race along in front of me now!



One last longing glimpse of the beautiful woods, as we skied on back to the house. 

It was time for a delightful cup of hot tea as I got back home :)

It was a wonderful adventure, and we will have to wait for the snow to harden up before we trek out there again on the skis! Due to the nature of the downed trees in the woods, we cannot get a snowmobile through to make a trail, which would make it much easier. However, I will try next to snowshoe back there. 

But that's an adventure for another day :) 

 


76 comments

  1. Marilyn: Oh, it is beautiful, no other word for it, except maybe Riley has a choice one. Kai and Robin just have about 8 icy stairs to go down, and they thought that was something! I bet Riley didn't give a fig if you had a cup of tea or not!!. It sure was beautiful though..Happy Weekend..Judy

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    1. Thanks for your visit Judy, it was quite an adventure with Riley, the snow getting stuck on her fur was a real problem, lol!

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  2. Marilyn, what an adventure! And I can imagine that you and Riley are exhausted. I think settling down with a cup of tea is the perfect ending to tiresome travels! xo

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    1. Yes Gina, that cup of tea was perfect after that adventure, lol!

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  3. It’s a beautiful place to ski for sure. I bet you and Riley slept well that night.

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    1. We did sleep well Marie, it was an adventurous day for sure :)

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  4. Well that was quite the adventure! I imagine Riley might have had some icy snow stuck between the pads of her paws and that was uncomfortable, among other things. Riding on your skis! You'll probably sleep well tonight!

    What elevation is your home? Our last home in Colorado was at 6,000-something feet. Now we are at 12! Twelve feet above sea level!!! Isn't that amazing?

    Thanks for sharing your adventure with us. The beauty of the trees, snow, and sky was stunning! Oh and I loved the snapshots of your shadow on the snow! Shadow snapshots are fun.

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    1. Thanks for your visit Barbara, it was quite an adventure with Riley, the snow getting stuck on her fur was a real problem, lol! We are close to 3000 feet here, not too bad really. Thanks for your kind comment, it is very much appreciated :)

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  5. What a trek!! I can only imagine how difficult that was for both of you. So glad you made it back home safely. I'm sure you were both ready for a bit of a nap after you thawed out! The teapot and tea looks pretty inviting to me. But the scenery was gorgeous! I know why you wanted to go there. Snow shoes do sound like a better idea...But thank you for sharing that with us. It was really stunning scenery!!

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    1. Thanks for your visit Pamela, indeed it was quite an adventure with Riley, the snow getting stuck on her fur was a real problem, lol! The cup of tea was quite welcomed! I have snowshoed since, by myself, and it was a workout too. We just have a lot of snow, lol! Blessings and hugs :)

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  6. Are you going to bring the dog when you try the snow shoes?

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    1. No, I didn't. I figured it was just as easy to get out by myself, and this time I didn't go as far. We just have so much snow, that it is hard for the dogs. Trust all is well with you!

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  7. It would be fun to snowshoe with you. Too funny about Riley riding on the back of your skies. It was fun to hear your voice. Truly glorious scenes and how wonderful to stand in awe and praise our creator.

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    1. It would be fun to have an adventurous outing with you Ellen! I always enjoy hearing and seeing other people, putting a face and voice to a name, is always fun. Being outdoors really causes praise to well up in my heart for the Lord, such glorious beauty it is! Blessings to you :)

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  8. The views are spectacular.I do feel sorry for Riley,but she just doesn't get the beauty of it all.

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    1. No, she would have been interested in chasing deer trails, but the deep snow prevented her from that too. I haven't taken them with me since, because the snow is just too deep, lol!

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  9. This was so sweet, the beauty that surrounds you is spectacular! Thank you for sharing, Have a blessed weekend.
    Sue

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    1. Thanks for your visit Sue, it was quite an adventure that we enjoyed, blessings and hugs :)

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  10. Oh I could feel your exhaustion with snow that deep and dear Riley...
    Your determination allowed you some gorgeous snap shots though.
    I think you are wise to go out on the snowshoes next time.
    It is true, having a path made from the snowmobile makes a huge difference.

    Thank you for sharing the beauty that surrounds you~

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    1. Thanks for your visit Debbie, indeed it was quite an adventure with Riley, the snow getting stuck on her fur was a real problem, lol! Next time I did go out with snowshoes and no dogs. The snow is just too deep for them now. I do need a snowmobile path! Unfortunately we don't own that land, and they don't like vehicles back there, so I have make my own trail. More of a workout for sure, lol! We are so thankful for the beauty that we enjoy here, as I know you feel the same where you live. Our God is so amazing! Blessings and hugs to you :)

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  11. Thanks for taking this wonderful little video and all the beautiful pictures. In the middle of a city one never 'hears' the silence that you experience there in the woods. Years ago we drove up to Manning Park in the dead of winter and were the only ones at the place we stopped. No sound, just snow and trees and peace.

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    1. There is such a peace, and silent beauty in the woods, it blesses my heart to be there. It is amazing. I agree with you, incredible to enjoy! Blessings and hugs :)

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  12. Oh, my goodness! What an adventure indeed! I LOVE the picture where you are nearing your property and Riley senses it and you can just see how the very sights of home made her recharge with energy! It made me think of how it is with us, as humans, and how no matter how tired we are, when we get close to home, it seems like excited adrenaline takes over and gives us the strength to go on. The nearness of home somehow gives us our second wind, and we hasten our steps to get there as quickly as possible. And, THEN, of course, my mind went to the spiritual, and how every now and then God gives us a tiny glimpse of Heaven and all that is awaiting us there, and just that glimpse and revelation gives us the spiritual boost we need to keep putting one tired foot in front of the other. Often those glimpses and revelations come through the kindness of another, a word of encouragement, an outreached hand, etc. I loved seeing the little video and it just made me feel like I was right there walking with you. I say walking because I could never in a million years be coordinated enough to ski! LOL! You would be not only carrying Riley's weight, but mine, as well, and let me tell you, that would NOT be good! Talk about a workout indeed! Sending much love and many hugs your way, sweet friend. You are such a blessing and gift to us all!

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    1. Oh Cheryl, I bet you would love cross country skiing. It really is easy to do, and is pure joy to slide along the glistening snow, and enjoy the beauty of the woods. You would love it :) One day you must try :) I loved your analogies of both the physical, and the spiritual about heading for home, there is something so exciting about going home, both physically and spiritually! Most of all, I look forward to our spiritual home!!! What beauties it will have, such sights and scenes such as we could never imagine here! So much to look forward to! Always appreciate your comments, they are blessings to my heart! Many hugs!!!

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  13. What a beautiful adventure you had Marilyn. I fear I would be much like Riley. Just sit down and wait until you let me go home. :-) I don’t love the snow as you do, even though it’s beauty is captivating. A cup of tea in from the fire sounds much better to me. Many blessings, Betsy

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    1. The cup of tea was so welcomed at the end of the adventure Betsy! Riley had snow caught in her fur and between her toes, hence the struggles that she had. It was glorious to see the beauty of the day though! Blessings and hugs :)

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  14. ..and what an adventure it was. So much beauty it was a joy to come along with you.

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    1. It was an adventure, indeed, and the cup of tea quite welcomed at the end, lol! :)

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  15. Wow, so much beauty, but the reading of your adventure makes me tired. I loved seeing Riley sitting on your skis, letting you do all of the work when he got tired. He sure looked excited getting closer to home. Thanks for sharing.

    FlowerLady

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    1. It was quite an adventure for sure Lorraine, and we were both glad to get back home! Since then I've gone out without the dogs, as the snow is just too deep for them now. Appreciate your visit :)

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  16. If Riley got tired, you know it was a difficult trek, as much as that sweet pup loves the snow. Glad you made it home safely and could cozy up with a relaxing cup of tea. The photos are stunning!
    Blessings, Marilyn!

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    1. Riley surely does love the snow, and it was exhausting for her between the deepness of the snow, and it catching on her fur. I have been out since, by myself, as it is just too deep for the dogs, lol! Thank you for your visit and kind comment, always appreciated! Blessings :)

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  17. Riley looked pretty blasé about the natural beauty surrounding her! And I, too, probably would've tried to hitch a ride on your skis! No, I probably would have just stayed in and enjoyed that pot of tea. Beautiful photography, Marilyn.

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    1. Thanks for your visit Jean, it was quite an adventure with Riley, the snow getting stuck on her fur was a real problem, lol! We were both glad to get on back home! Since then I have gone out without the dogs, and that has worked better. The snow is just too deep for them. Appreciate your visit and kind comment :) Blessings!

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  18. Well, the view is so beautiful, I can see how it would pull you to go further and further. I can also see how exhausting that kind of trek would be in that depth of snow. And with a pooch sitting on your skis!! What a workout! I was glad to see you settled back down at home with a cup of tea. I hope the tea was followed by a nap. I bet that's how Riley spent the afternoon!! Stay warm my friend. xo

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    1. Indeed, it was quite an adventure with Riley out there, because the snow getting stuck on her fur was a real problem, lol! We were both glad to get back home! I have been out since without the dogs as the snow is just too deep for them! Appreciate your visit, and we are all now hoping for spring :)

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  19. Oh those pictures!! I just wanted to sit and look at that view, even if it was just a photograph. You live in a gorgeous area! Poor Riley, I bet she was exhausted when you got home. (That was pretty smart of her though to ride on the back of your skis!)

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    1. Indeed, it was quite an adventure with Riley out there, because the snow getting stuck on her fur was a real problem, lol! We were both glad to get back home! I have been out since without the dogs as the snow is just too deep for them! Appreciate your visit, and we are all now hoping for spring :)

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  20. "Every mile is two in the winter" George Herbert
    Poor Riley, I bet she slept good and you too.
    The photos are amazing, thank you for sharing. I would love to ski with you!
    Carla

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    1. Yes, that quote is TRUTH! lol... says anyone who has trudged through any amount of snow! Thanks for sharing that :) I would SO love to ski with you too Carla! Wouldn't that be a hoot! Well, we are all anticipating spring now... it's March! Another snowstorm tonight, but next week - 50+ degree temps. Spring will prevail :)

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  21. Oh how beautiful, indeed! I could see that at least you was having a good time...poor Riley though! Oh well, it will be better next time! Did you offer Riley some hot tea too?? :D

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    1. Oh yes Debby, it was quite an adventure with Riley out there, because the snow getting stuck on her fur was a real problem, lol! We were both glad to get back home! I have been out since without the dogs as the snow is just too deep for them! Appreciate your visit, and we are all now hoping for spring :)

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  22. The grandeur of your wintry wonderland is breath taking! Riley is such a sweet girl. Me thinks she might have second thoughts about another trek through the snow. I would imagine a cup of tea in a pretty tea cup is the perfect pick-me-up after a hard slog through the snow.

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    1. Oh Kim, you are so right, it was quite an adventure with Riley out there, because the snow getting stuck on her fur was a real problem, lol! We were both glad to get back home! I have been out since without the dogs as the snow is just too deep for them! Appreciate your visit, and we are all now hoping for spring :)

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  23. The beauty there! The snow and the dark blue sky. It's breathtaking. I can't even imagine taking off, just the two of you through that deep snow. What an adventure! and there was no way you could pick up Riley and carry him home. :) Sure looks prettier there than in our water logged soggy rain soaked yard.

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    1. You are so right Henny, it was quite an adventure with Riley out there, because the snow getting stuck on her fur was a real problem, lol! We were both glad to get back home! I have been out since without the dogs as the snow is just too deep for them! Appreciate your visit, and we are all now hoping for spring :)

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  24. Replies
    1. Yes it is, praise rises always in my heart for the beauty we get to enjoy :)

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  25. I love snow and I try to take picture it snows.

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    1. Oh me too, Regina, I love the snow! However, we are now setting our hearts on spring :) Blessings to you!

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  26. Beautiful scenery, but I don't blame Riley for giving up on it. She's so much closer to the ground. Poor girl. I used to cross country ski, but I hated breaking a trail, which is what I almost always had to do. Enjoy the rest of your winter. :-))

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    1. Breaking a trail is tough, it really is. I wish we could do the snowmobile to pack it down, but they are allowed back on the land I ski on. I have been out since without the dogs as the snow is just too deep for them! Appreciate your visit, and we are all now hoping for spring :)

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  27. Your photos are just gorgeous! There is nothing like big pine trees with snow on them, and a blue sky!

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  28. LOL. Poor Riley may not be a skier but she is gorgeous. And those views!
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. Indeed, it was quite an adventure with Riley out there, because the snow getting stuck on her fur was a real problem, lol! We were both glad to get back home! I have been out since without the dogs as the snow is just too deep for them! Appreciate your visit, and we are all now hoping for spring :)

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  29. As usual, your photos are the best in the world and Miss Riley is adorable and hug-able. I would love to join you in that cup of tea; so inviting! God bless and keep you, Marilyn. Hugs!

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    1. Indeed, it was quite an adventure with Riley out there, because the snow getting stuck on her fur was a real problem, lol! We were both glad to get back home! I have been out since without the dogs as the snow is just too deep for them! Appreciate your visit, and we are all now hoping for spring :)

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  30. I knew I liked Riley a lot! She's not only cute but smart!

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    1. She is a sweet smart cutie! Appreciate your visit Christine!

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  31. Her little paws were probably frozen and sore from the cold. I tried a long hike with my dog when I lived in Utah and that was exactly what happened. I ended up having to carry him home! Then I made him heavy sheep skin boots for the next time! Lovely photos.

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    1. Indeed, it was quite an adventure with Riley out there, because the snow getting stuck on her fur was a real problem, lol! We were both glad to get back home! I have been out since without the dogs as the snow is just too deep for them! Appreciate your visit, and we are all now hoping for spring :)

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  32. What a beautiful Winter moment captured in your pictures, lovely☺

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    1. Thank you for your visit Natalia! Happy to meet you :) Blessings!

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  33. I'm finally getting a change to read this through and through.. and enjoy the wondrous scenery you shared with us! You are on the doorstep of God's country... for sure... and in fact, IN God's Country! I so enjoyed your trek... reminds me of the treks I used to take in my woods in SW Washington. How glorious that was.. and your photos bring back such good memories of it all. Riley just made me laugh.. they can be so enthusiastic at first.. but that wanes as time goes by and the little toes get stuck together with ice! I know that from experience too as a couple of gals said above in the comments. Dogs and snow.. or horses and deep snow.. don't mix too well. I used to ride my horse in the snow, and his feet/hooves would get so packed with snow, I would have to get off and dig it out so he could be walking on flat feet again! Needless to say, I didn't do that too often... except one night I rode in the snow under a full moon and I'll NEVER forget that! No pictures taken.. I wish I did. Have a great weekend! Hugs.. Marilyn

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    1. Always appreciate your visit and comment Marilyn, such a joy to read! I know you enjoyed living in the country so much, and I would be like you, missing it so much! That sounds like quite a trip with your horse in the snow under a full moon, what beauty to enjoy! Indeed, it was quite an adventure with Riley out there, because the snow getting stuck on her fur was a real problem, lol! We were both glad to get back home! I have been out since without the dogs as the snow is just too deep for them! Appreciate your visit, and we are all now hoping for spring :)

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  34. Indeed a great adventure!! Was Riley "cleaning" her paws in the movie? She didn't seem to enjoy it :) It looks gorgeous!! Those tall pines covered in snow is just magnificent!! Glad you got something warm to drink when you got home!

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    1. Thank you for your visit Angela, indeed, it was quite an adventure with Riley out there, because the snow getting stuck on her fur was a real problem, lol! We were both glad to get back home! I have been out since without the dogs as the snow is just too deep for them! Appreciate your visit, and we are all now hoping for spring :)

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  35. What an amazing day for a ski! I love that you have Riley to be with you, even if you have to work a bit harder to get places. :)

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    1. Indeed, it was quite an adventure with Riley out there, because the snow getting stuck on her fur was a real problem, lol! We were both glad to get back home! I have been out since without the dogs as the snow is just too deep for them! Appreciate your visit, and we are all now hoping for spring :)

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  36. It is so great to see your photos. Love to see it!

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    1. Thank you for your visit Aritha! Blessings and hugs :)

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  37. Maybe show Ms Riley some vids examples of the Alaskan sled dogs ... make her some doggie snow booties! or you'll have to put her in the baby backpack hee hee. :)
    Beautiful pics Marilyn, thanks for sharing! and the vid was a treat too ~ really gives the 'sense' of being there w/ you! hugs

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    1. Indeed, it was quite an adventure with Riley out there, because the snow getting stuck on her fur was a real problem, lol! We were both glad to get back home! I have been out since without the dogs as the snow is just too deep for them! Appreciate your visit, and we are all now hoping for spring :)

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