"It filled him with a great unrest and strange desires. It caused him to feel a vague, sweet gladness, and he was aware of wild yearnings and stirrings for he knew not what".
Jack London summed it up so well, didn't he?
Gosh how I would love to escape from the grey confines of domestic life in Aberdeen and into the Alaskan wilderness to run with the wolves.
Gail, who can be boring about practicalities, keeps reminding me of my fondness for curling up on the sofa in front of the fire and my dislike of icy water, and says she doubts I'd survive an Arctic winter.
Reluctantly, I will concede she has a point.
So you can imagine how thrilled I was to read this article in our Sunday paper.
Yes that's right, wolves are on the march, increasing in numbers over much of Europe. And not only in the cold bits.
I am thinking it would be nice to spend January and February in Spain. Really, this is not such a great time of year in NE Scotland. So Gail could go exploring the cultural riches of Madrid and I could hook up with one of the several wolf packs now roaming in the nearby Guadarrama mountains.
Of course, if the hunting proved disappointing, or my pack mates turned out to be bad sharers, I could catch the train back into the city for dinner and a night in a comfy hotel with Gail.
An excellent plan, don't you agree?
Go for your dreams Mr. Bertie! If you don't try, you will never know.
ReplyDeleteFar be it from me to squelch Pia's dreams for you, but you do know that a pack of wolves would make you an afternoon snack for them., don't you?
ReplyDeleteJust so you know,
Your pal Stella
We agree. Careful Bertie you may walk into a snack attack. A Madrid hotel room with room service sounds much better. Have a wonderful Wednesday.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes Molly
That's a top idea.....we love the way you think! Now, how are your powers of pursuasion?
ReplyDeleteXXXOOO Daisy, Bella & Roxy
'run with the wolves' how exciting Bertie.
ReplyDeleteI'd do a bit more research on how often they get to eat though, don't think it's a daily dinner time for them and maybe a bit light on the treat front as well, just a thought
Hari OM
ReplyDeleteAs one who has from time to time answered the call of the wild, I understand your dreaming... that retreat plan only works if you have not been munched on by said pack though... Aberdonian fireside + wishful thinkings = a winter well spent!! Hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx
what a great idea Bertie! And may I say that your home is just adorable just as I would have pictured it
ReplyDeleteretro rover
Oh Bertie I feel your chill!! My crazy mom has had a fascination with Alaska forever. She finally visited in 2005 and it was more magnificent than she imagined. After the visit she said if she were 30 years younger she would stay. Well after the last two miserably cold days in the Southern USofA she has changed her mind...I love your sitting room Bertie it is very cozy and inviting
ReplyDeleteHugs Madi your bfff
Bertie: Sad to say we feel we must join the nay sayers in the group and try to dissuade you from your "Call of the Wild."
ReplyDeleteThe idea of you being the appetizer course for a meal of goat and or lamb does not sound like a positive experience.
Enjoy your beautiful home and fireplace, and consider taking Gail to Paris in April or May.
gus n teka
We hear "the call of the wild" at 4.00pm every day - that is when Mom makes our dinner with a food that is called - you guessed it "call of the wild" bawwwwwaaaaahhhhh
ReplyDeleteOooh Bertie, it's just too cold to find your "Call of the Wild." That and the fact that those wolves might not be too pleased to see you on their turf. Stay safe and warm, nothing better than home!
ReplyDeleteThat definitely sounds like a plan! Don't furget to blog all about it.
ReplyDeleteWhat if the wolves ATE YOU?????? We think it would be better to just read the book...on the comfortable sofa.
ReplyDeleteImprovised joke: what's a wolf's postcode? OU81 TOO.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, Bertie... as much as I admire your romantic idea, I would like to point out that it reminds me of a classic of dachshund literature, Jeff Crosby's Wiener Wolf.
In the book, Wiener Wolf decides to join a pack of wolves somewhere in the western US (OK, it wasn't Madrid). After witnessing a disturbing episode (the pack's dinner), Wiener Wolf hitch-hikes his way back to his loving home.
Nevertheless, allow me to say that your fascination with our common ancestry is a testament to your character, dear Godson!
Another improvised joke: why are wolves ready for anything? Because they never go anywhere without their pack. (My apologies to all the lone wolves out there.)
You're more than welcome to come visit us in alaska :)
ReplyDeleteStop on by for a visit
Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com/
Hmmm. Perhaps you could get a photography book with lots of realistic photos of your buddies and go out to the backyard and do some imagining. That might be a bit safer. Just sayin'
ReplyDeleteMom just read a book called The Genius of Dogs, which goes into a lot of detail about wolves vs. dogs. I don't think you would be happy, Better to continue reading Jack London by a toasty Aberdeen fire.
ReplyDeleteWirey love,
JH
Pawtastic Plan!
ReplyDeleteTake my sister Stanzie with you...she is a Wolf in Airedale clothing.
Wyatt