Winter Walks

I haven't posted an entry in months. There's been no shortage of material just a shortage of motivation. When November arrives it brings the steady rains and the sun goes away for what seems like forever and it stays gray for days on end. Suddenly the energy and motivation I had withers away.

I like to stay active all year. I don't think it's good to give up fitness and sensible eating just because it's dark outside. I say that knowing I mean it wholeheartedly but I don't always live it. It's just plain hard for me to motivate this time of year.

Fortunately, I live in a town that offers more than I could ever explore. I've been doing hill walks with a good friend. I love these walks. They combine hilly, winding streets, public staircases, and urban forest.

This is a shot I took on Saturday of the fog in the forest. I have thrived on these walks for the last several weeks. On one occasion I took Elmo along. Like a trooper he walked five miles with us that day. He left his pee mail on everything possible and tried to chase every squirrel he heard or saw. Below are two shots with Elmo, one taken at Council Crest and the other with his pooncha while napping after his big walk.

The next two shots are taken along the streets of Portland's west hills. I love the moss.

I hope to get inspired to cross country ski and snowshoe very soon. Meanwhile, I'm quite content doing these invigorating walks.