Our first storm of the season left us with icy roads and white lawns. I am as big a fan as the next upstater for a White Christmas, but it means long nights and fewer opportunities to play outside. Even when I can get out, Jayme and I feel guilty about exercising if we leave the puppy in the house.
To help with the outdoor playtime, I am looking for a device that would allow me to cross-country ski with my dog. Guinness loves the snow, but he’s still a puppy and would likely run around me in circles if not handled on a short leash. What I am looking for, and may have to cobble together from climbing equipment, is a webbing belt to clip to the handle of Guinness’ leash that is loose enough to rotate around my waist, but tight enough (or somehow secured) so that it won’t slip down over my legs. Either a tangled leash, or a belt around my legs, would result in a catastrophic (albeit humorous) wreck. I will post pictures if I can find a solution.
The fun part about this season is the trip planning. I would like to map out 3 or 4 weekend trips for next summer; hopefully we can get 8 peaks. If we could get out twice next fall as well,we could have a 12 peak year. Not bad for paperchasers.
Part of the problem with planning is that it isn’t a concrete step, and it winds up on the back burner without someone to hold you accountable. That said, I am putting my goal of having 5 to 8 trip plans completed by January 1, 2008 out for our small but loyal following to see. Whether we will have time for any/all of those trips is an open question, but having the trip plans in place in case a weekend opens up makes a weekend away that much easier.
C
While you’ve clearly been reading too many GTD books, I’ll volunteer to punch you in the face should you not climb at least five peaks by next Labor Day. It’s a sacrifice, but you and Jayme are worth it.