Valentine Hike

A pair of Long Johns is all Wenzyl needs to see.  This dog is amazing, she picks up on everything.  She knows that we were heading outside to do "something" fun... and she knows that she IS and WILL be a part of whatever it is we're doing.  She was following me around the house like she was lost, and concerned about what we had going on.  She new we were up to something, and she was determined to be a part of it.  I giggled uncontrollably as I was attempting to put on my mukluks, (which has become quite the task these days), even more of a task when your 76 pound lab is kissing you uncontrollably while wagging her tail.  Have you ever noticed that when you're laughing you all of a sudden become weak?  It was almost like all of my energy was being sucked away from my laughing. I became weak, and had to go from the kneeling position to sitting down, as if I couldn't hold myself up?  Which made me laugh harder and made Wenzyl go even more crazy! 
We piled into the car and drove a little north to access a trail, the beautiful thing about living in Grand Rapids, you can be in the middle of nowhere within minutes.  There was only one other car parked in the lot, so we pretty much had the place to ourselves.  The temperature gauge read 22 degrees, although I don't think the sunshine was taken into consideration.  I found myself unzipping my jacket half way through our hike, granted, I'm running a little "warm" these days.

We hiked about 2 miles on uneven terrain.  Wenzyl ran about sniffing everything she possibly could, Zack and I just enjoyed the walk, chatting about our to do lists and enjoying the quiet.  There is something to be said about the crisp air of Northern, MN.  I have always enjoyed winter activities because the air almost feels like it cleans your lungs.  It's different from spring, summer, and even fall air.  I can't really explain the smell, maybe because I don't believe there is one... maybe that's why it seems so refreshing? 










We're enjoying the simple things on this day we all know as Valentine's Day.  Instead of spending money on flowers that die and chocolates that we would buy anyway, we just spend time together and make food in the shape of hearts.  That's sweet enough for me. We enjoyed the outdoors, came home, made some sandwiches and have no plans for the evening.  Probably a cribbage game and some netflix!  Ah, the simple things!