Often seen in a variety of habitats, the river dog is most at home in icy cold rivers in the mountains.
In April, there's still snow in the mountains. Most Aprils I'd be knee deep in it and climbing my way to a summit to watch the sun set. My mean physical therapist (not really mean) said I wasn't ready for that yet, so instead we've been looking for shorter trails with big payoffs.
Perhaps the biggest winner in this category of adventure came mid April when the sun was uncharacteristically shining and the chilly river fed by snowmelt was a welcome relief. The girls and I took Tinkham on a short half mile trail to a rocky beach. It was good.
So don't poo poo the short trails. And when I get healthy enough to be climbing high in the mountains, feel free to remind me I wrote this.
