28/04/2026
I’ve always said that if you walk hard and far enough you meet your true self. And as much as I believe in and understand that maxim, actually doing it each time when I’m putting some hard yards in, I am reminded as if it was my first time realising it all over again.
The luminous, Alpine like emerald grasses have slowly but surely put on their winter yellow coats. The wind has an icy feel that scythes through your layers like only the Highlands can do. And in a strange sense, even the dogs act differently, like they know it’s back to business - but that could just be my exuberant imagination running wild. I’ve been putting concerted effort into unexplored areas and places, areas that I probably would ordinarily look at and think, “No, there wouldn’t possibly be Greywing there”, but of course as you can probably guess, we’ve found plenty of large coveys in these areas. It just goes to show that when you think you have things figured out with nature, She will surprise you and keep you on your toes.
When I think about it, I’ve been learning a lot lately, class has really been in session and for a change I’ve been the diligent scholar sitting at the front desk with eager eyes and a neat, unspoiled uniform. I’ve lost Aera to a season ending injury, and with one excellent dog down and the busiest season of our lives thus far, one really starts to feel the pressure, especially when the whispers are all about how good the dogs are up here in Ouranopolis. It’s a real game of attrition in these mountains, and I’ve been on a steep learning curve. Managing and resting dogs as well as taking their diet and supplementation to a whole other level has been the narrative for the past year. These brilliant animals make a living for and with me. I could not do what I do without them, so the very least I can do is give them the very best I can possibly get my hands on.
If you aren’t learning, you aren’t living, and I guess that’s what it all comes down to; we’ve been living hard and true.
