I rarely get unnerved when I’m walking in the ravines or the river valley, but when I do, I pay attention. Not sure why I had the heebs today, but I shortened my walk to an hour – and half of that was above ground. When I left, the sky was a mix of cloud and blue, but by the time I entered Whitemud Ravine at the Aspen Gardens trail head, it was completely overcast. And really low, oppressive clouds. I had weird sensations, like I was going to fall over the edge of some of the trails. I only met two other people in the ravine, one with a dog, and one without. Basically, I was alone.

Whitemud Ravine is deep. You are really in the woods when you’re down there, as opposed to Mill Creek Ravine where city traffic is always audible, if faint. I left at 2:30ish, and so many of the folks who might otherwise have been in the ravine were probably picking up children. Also, I’m still getting used to walking Whitemud without Maggie. For 12 years, whenever I have been in that ravine, I have been with her. Now, it is out of the question for her aging body, willing though it may be, so I am now forced to walk the trails without my security detail. Next time, I’ll wait until the sun is out.

2:30 to 4:00/15C