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18 January ~2010
Me and the dogs went up again, to the hidden ridge that I discovered last year. After I set up the tent we headed over to the table rock with a good view of the forest below.
It was obvious that these dogs consider the mountains an extension of home, like I do. Ben ran ahead and crossed to the rock before us, then went to the edge and looked down.
It was a clear example of his connection to this land, and will probably end up being my favorite photo of him.
Ben will be 10 in July, which means he is nearing what might be considered old for a border collie. He doesn't act like it during the day, but he seemed a little stiff when we got into the tent after dark. He has a few gray hairs on his muzzle.
My exwife was looking for places to get rid of Bennie 9 years ago. Border Collie Rescue did'nt want him because of his aggression. I offered to take him, since he was Amy's dog, and he became Ben instead of Bennie in my household.
I don't get how Janet could want to give up a dog such as Ben, but neither do I understand how somebody could leave Colorado for Oklahoma.
All I know is Ben became one of the best things in my life, past or present. It is plain awe-inspiring to see how he gets on those high rocks and becomes the spirit of strength and freedom. It was lucky he ended up with me.
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click here for a larger version.
I set my camera on time release and also got some shots of me on that rock with the dogs. Eventually I decided I was getting a little too careless scrambling out there in the 30 seconds I had before the photo was taken, especially on the 20 foot part that you have to wedge your fingers over the knife edge and sidestep across. The last time I took a look down at the curved rock leading to the tops of the trees, and figured I would explore some other part of our ridge.
click here for a larger version
There is no faith which has never yet been broken, except that of a truly faithful dog. ~Konrad Lorenz
