The Last Lonesome Hike

On our way up to Vermont Thursday night (Yes, Beagle Man fans — MTK season is over; VT season has begun 🙂 ), I told Carol that since Friday was supposed to be a gorgeous, sunny fall day, and I’d heard foliage was the best in years, I was going to hike up Bromley Mountain.  “And,” I added, “next time, I’ll be able to go hiking with Kemba.”  Carol gave me a sad-face.  “Doesn’t thinking like that make you feel disloyal to Ricky?” she asked.

As I’ve said before — no.  Ricky was the world’s sweetest dog.  I have the most wonderful memories of him.  When I picture him, I smile.  I think back to the countless hikes we did together, that we both loved.  OK, that I loved and he tolerated . . . in exchange for treats.  But missing Ricky, and missing doing everything with my dog — that only makes me look forward to Kemba all the more.

So yesterday, I hiked Bromley alone.  For awhile, I tagged along with Dave, a young dude I met on the trail.  He was using this hike as a “warm-up” for a half-marathon he’d be doing in Waterville, VT on Sunday, and an 80-mile bike ride along Lake Champlain the day after that.  Needless to say, he was in tremendous shape — not to mention less than half my age.  Needless to say, by the time we split up, I was winded, soaked in sweat, and had a bad blister on the ball of my left

foot.  Also, I’m pretty sure the hike up Bromley is longer than it used to be.

Nonetheless, I summited.  And it was beautiful at the top.  Foliage was all that was promised.  I wasn’t alone up there.  I re-encountered Dave, as well as a couple, and a guy and his beautiful chocolate Lab.  The dog’s name was Bruno; I didn’t bother with the guy’s name, of course.

That’ll be me and Kemba.  Soon.

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