Every cloud has a silver lining, it seems. I was sorry, really I was, to learn a couple of weeks ago that Muriel, one of Gail's cycling pals, had cracked several ribs after taking a nasty tumble on a corner at the base of a steep descent, and would be off her bicycle for a while.
But I was not at all sorry when I was invited a few days ago to join the cyclists for a supposedly gentle hill walk, the group having for once forsaken their two wheeled transport and opted for an activity in which the injured Muriel could participate.
I'll confess, however, to being a tad put out when Gail told me that two young whippets would also form part of the hiking group, and said that she hoped I would be able to keep up!!
It reminded me of how much Human Grandad always hated the idea of anyone thinking of him as "decrepit". Us senior males have our pride you know.
So, please observe, here I am, leading the charge up the
Hill of Fare. Close behind me is Muriel, and you can't even see those whippets, they are so far back.
Oh, at last, here are said whippets, looking thoroughly miserable and out of their element and each having a good old grumble. "Oooh, I don't like to get any of that horrid wet mud on my pretty little paws.... Oooh I hope the heather won't scratch my delicate skin...."
I think we can guess who summited the hill first...
.... and which of the pups opted to go straight back down the easiest way possible, and which one stayed the course and completed the much longer circuit (about eight miles) with absolutely no difficulty what so ever.
Happy Nature Friday friends. If you want to go out and enjoy nature, I think it's clear that your best companion is a terrier. Or of course a
Lhasa Apso or a Shih Tzu...
PS from Gail: since Bertie's bladder cancer diagnosis at the end of last month, I treasure every day I spend with him when he is so happy and full of life.
we guessed it that you were da bestest hill climber ever... terriers are simpßly da best, they never ever give up... hugs to you all and to your friend Muriel...
ReplyDeleteYou tell 'em, Bertie. We Terriers are a hardy lot and we always win the race! We send Miss Muriel lots of AireZen and healing vibes.
ReplyDeleteGoodness, Bertie, why should Gail think you can't keep up? That's ridiculous, and perhaps secretly she thought she wouldn't be able to keep up, not without her bike!
ReplyDeleteWe knew you'd be first to the top - a sprightly young chap like you!
Love,
Inca xx
congratulations dear Birdie on an eight-mile hike and I can see that that is not a hike I could do at all I know I might make a half a mile going up that trail. I know exactly how many real feels because I took a fall too but I didn't break anything and I can barely walk so she must be a superhuman to be able to hike that trail with broken ribs. You are looking super good and big hugs and kisses and stitches to you
ReplyDeleteMuriel is indeed superwoman and then some. A European ladies golf champion in the 1980s, she can now, when fully fit, cycle 80 miles at the pace of men half her age and then next day complete a 20 mile hike in the Scottish mountains!
Delete🏆🏆‼️❤️Bertie I bow to your greatness! Well done we can always count on you to report the FACTS,
ReplyDeleteI noticed the whippets also had to wear coats. Not our brave Bertie. He is Scotland’s top Nature dog. I surely hope Muriel
Heals quickly what a nasty fall.
Hugs Cecilia
The coat was apparently to prevent cuts and abrasions, to which one of the whippets is apparently particularly susceptible.
DeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteI too was thinking that broken ribs are not necessarily any more comfy in walking mode as opposed to cycling! Kudos to you though, Bertie lad. You showed 'em... hugs and wags, YAM-aunty xxx
You sure showed those whippets how to climb that hill. We can tell that you were enjoying yourself on that hike.
ReplyDeleteYou tell 'em, Bertie! Just like you did, in the last photo!
ReplyDeleteWell DUH, of course you were schooling those youngsters! Experience wins out every time.
ReplyDeleteYou showed them...all of them...peeps and whippets that you are made of sterner stuff!! And made some more memories to smile about.
ReplyDeleteI don't know Bertie...Sunny may have joined you...but the other Lhasas and the Shih Tzu would have been with those whippets BOL!
ReplyDeleteWe give a lot of credit to Muriel for making that trek with cracked ribs. Mom says that can be very painful.
ReplyDeleteAs for the whippets, you definitely showed them a thing or two. So glad you can get out and have fun, Bertie.
Woos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber
You are king of the mountain.
ReplyDeleteI am grateful to read that Bertie isn't slowing down yet. Live every moment dear friend.
ReplyDeleteWhippets make my peep giggle, she thinks they always look startled. You sure startled them Bertie! BOL!
ReplyDeleteThat looks like it was a great walk, and if those whippets can't take getting their little feet muddy, maybe you can show them a thing or two about enjoying a walk, where ever it goes!
ReplyDeleteYour friend Rosie