North Fork Sauk River Trail

Dibs, my 13 1/2 yo Dachshund/Chihuahua mix, decided he wanted to go for a stroll in the woods today and suggested we head out to the North Fork Sauk River Trail, which happens to be one of his favorite sylvan sauntering sites. After a late start, we arrived at the trailhead just before noon, finding but one other car there. We immediately set out beneath cloudless blue skies with a bright sun that was, surprisingly, not very warming as temps were brisk, suggesting an autumn day in the Northeast as opposed to hear in the PNW. After attempting to register (materials were removed, a sign inside the box informing me this was due to the winter season) we began hiking along a fairly good trail beneath giant, moss-draped cedars. The greens we encountered reminded me of a verdant spring day but the fallen leaves covering the trail brought me quickly back to the fall. Dibs was clearly enjoying himself and after a couple miles we arrived at the junction with the Pilot Ridge Trail. Dibs got up on the log spanning the river but, after slipping and nearly falling, decided this was not for him and retreated to more solid ground. We then continued forth, glimpsing Sloan wearing his mantle of snow over our right shoulders as we broke into a clearing from time to time. Squirrels and chipmunks sounded the alarm as we passed but Dibs minded his manners and did not give chase. The roaring presence of the Sauk accompanied us as we moved through the dappled forest finally coming to Red Creek. Without hesitation, Dibs jumped up onto the footbridge and crossed easily then began a slow meander along the trail. What scent had he acquired? Alas, the scent must have faded as Dibs once again picked up the pace and soon we were at the Mackinaw Shelter. No one was around and after carefully analyzing every inch of the shelter, Dibs determined it was critter-free and headed back up the trail. After about a mile further, we broke out into a clearing warming in the sun and here Dibs halted, evidently announcing this to be a good spot for lunch. As we sat eating, Dibs his chicken jerky and biscuits, me my cliff bar, silent solitude snatched us up in a warm embrace. As it was now mid-afternoon with but three hours of sunlight remaining, Dibs made it known his intention was to return whence we originated our stroll and took off down the trail at a tail-wagging trot. The way back was as arresting as the way in and we enjoyed the trip as if it were just beginning. Like all that which is enjoyable, we soon came to the end (or was it the beginning?) and, thankful for another beautiful day in nature, we loaded up the car and returned home.