Adventuring

MLO and I went hiking around a local lake yesterday. I strapped him to the front of me with the Ergo and we left at about 3:00, taking a trail that led us up to the ridge above Lopez Lake. The views were amazing and MLO seemed to enjoy looking around. Hubby and I have noticed before that MLO fixates on leaves, particularly those above him, between which he can see the sky. I think he is attracted to the contrast of the bright or dark green against the bright blue. We saw what seemed like a million deer in very close proximity which amused us both. We scared off a young buck and a couple of does on the ridge, while the deer down in the campground hardly moved to get out of our way. The trail led to a quiet little fern lined gully where MLO and I stopped to take in the scenery. He and I were both looking around when we made eye contact and grinned at each other. We had a nice little moment there. Shortly thereafter we had a red tailed hawk fly over and land in the tree behind us. The air smelled invigorating. A recent rain made the air humid and fresh while the heat from the sun gave it a baked quality. I found it refreshing to tromp around the woods in the quiet and breathe the clean air, particularly after having spent so much time lately in the car. I did have some misgivings about hiking alone in what became a more remote journey than I anticipated. A ranger did know what trail I had taken, so I didn't feel totally irresponsible. Where pre-baby Dakota would have hiked alone with only a small warning in my mind, yesterday I had to fight a terrible level of apprehension about two legged snakes or the mountain lion that could jump out at any moment. How would I fight off a mountain lion with a baby strapped to my chest? What if it injured MLO? Of course these are ridiculous thoughts; a mountain lion could easily take me down, baby or no. Fundamentally, I felt guilty for not travelling in a pack, but dammit, I didn't have anyone to go with and I wanted to be outside on a trail breathing that fresh air and pointing out the monkey flower and sage to my son.