Dear Maia, Isaac, and Virtual Wanderers,

Today, I celebrated another birthday in Moab. Someday, I will no longer be able to come here. Age makes savoring the moment more precious each year.

I’ve taken photos of my dogs here every hike going back to 2014, when Maizzy was my only girl. Then Kachina joined followed by Sazi. My pack was stable for 4 years. Since then, it’s been chaos. No Sazi, no Maizzy, no Moki. First time for Kokopelli and Cimarron.

There are two locations I like to take photos. The first is approaching the neck from the Visitor’s Center side because there are a lot of cool rock formations that look like they are on the edge of the cliff – but that’s an optional illusion. I always keep my dogs leashed!

The second spot is just down the stone steps from the lookout on the Point. Sometimes I get a photo both places, sometimes it’s one or the other because of weather or aging dogs. The photos tell such a story. I do something similar at Monument Valley, Hovenweep, and Petrified Forest.

Today started a little stormy but no real rain. Too warm for snow. The hike to the point is pretty flat and easy for the senior rescue dogs and I. We got to the Point and Cimarron was freezing from the wind, so she rode back. Koko probably needed a ride, too, because she was a little short of breath.  Next time, I’ll bring the K9 sport sack.

It’s hard to put into words my feelings about this place. It feels like the best spot in the whole universe during our February hikes. There is certainly joy in sharing this adventure with dogs who have never experienced life outside the backyard before. It gives me a sense of purpose to share it – to give them a taste of the good life.

Then came the drive through Canyonlands. The storm lifted a bit by then and the shadows were perfect with the storm clouds. National Parks are hard for the dogs and stopping at pull-outs can be exhausting. But, every now and then the beauty is worth the effort.

It’s a long day, but I ate a big dinner and had chocolate cake at Pasta Jay’s. Maybe, I need to hike a few more times to work this off.

TTFN, Cathy Hartt (grandma Cathy)