Seventh Annual Hassey "Goat Vacation"

[Nanno]

The day was getting cold and the snow was getting deeper. Our shoes were wet and our noses chilly. Phil and I had no idea how far we'd hiked, but it was long past lunchtime and we were hungry and our legs were tired. Nevertheless, the enchanted wood drew us on as if casting a spell. We made up our minds to head back when we reached the next creek crossing. When we finally got there, the forest tempted us to keep going, but we resisted the enchantment and did not cross. We stood on the bank and watched the water gurgling over rocks and logs. Finn took the opportunity to snuggle up to Phil for some loves.   
   
   

Fresh snowflakes began to fall, settling on Finn's black back, and we knew it was time to head down. The most beautiful forest quickly loses its magic in a snowstorm! 
   

But it doesn't lose all of its magic. I stopped to catch snowflakes. 
   

We turned a corner in the narrow canyon and found sunshine for the first time all day. 
   
   

It was late afternoon and we were all hungry when we got back to the cabin. Finn and Sputnik gorged themselves on fallen apples. 
   

Next morning we packed up and headed home to Rye. This was our coldest goat vacation so far, but we still found adventure and beauty on the trail. I would not trade that last hike for anything. It may be one of my favorites ever. Photos can't come close to doing it justice and I will never forget it.